GIRLS BASKETBALL Pennsylvania preview capsules
GROVE CITY
Head coach: Roger Flynn, 24th year (480-156)
2001 record: 25-6
Returning letterwinners: Amber Cnutz (5-6, Sr., G), Hannah Gargasz (5-6, Sr., G).
Newcomers: Julie Molloy (5-5, Fr., G), Ashley McKnight (5-5, Soph., G), Alissa Cnutz (5-8, Soph., F), Jessica Taylor (5-4, Jr., F), Sarah Noone (5-8, Jr., G), Amy Molloy (5-4, Jr., G).
Outlook: Lost six players to graduation, but should be competitive in Mercer County Athletic Conference.
KENNEDY CATHOLIC
Head coach: Pat Mastrian, second year (24-6)
2001 record: 24-6, 6-0
Returning letterwinners: Becca Gasiewicz (5-11, Sr., C), Lauren Friedrich (5-10, Sr., G), Leah Mastrian (5-11, Jr., F), Elysa Farrell (5-11, Jr., C), Hallie Arena (5-2, Soph., G), Alexis George (5-9, Soph., F), Teresa Picciotto (5-6, Soph., F), Christina Lombardi (5-9, Soph., G).
Newcomers: Marissa Vasconi (5-3, Soph., G), Jenna Schwarz (5-5, Fr., G), Kendra Radkowski (5-11, Fr., C).
Outlook: Must replace Leanne Madden, but return plenty of talent -- including six letterwinners and three starters. Have good size, but are young with just two seniors and two juniors.
LAUREL
Head coach: Terry Watters, 27th year (238-237)
2001 record: 18-7
Returning letterwinners: Alicia Barnes (5-11, Sr., F), Kelly Book (5-10, Sr., F), Rachael Cooper (5-8, Sr., G), Lisa Wagner (5-6, Sr., G), Ashley Harlan (5-6, Jr., G).
Outlook: Return five letterwinners and three starters. Must replace Stefanie Lombardo, who they lost to graduation.
REYNOLDS
Head coach: Justin Magestro, fifth year (49-48)
2001 record: 14-12, 4-2
Returning letterwinners: Heather Millea (5-11, Sr., F), Marti Shellenbarger (5-5, Jr., G), Michelle Cullen (5-7, Jr., G), Natalie Kennell (5-10, Jr., C), Jessica Saul (5-5, Jr., G), Rachel McBride (5-8, Jr., F), Tera Laaks (5-8, Jr., F).
Newcomers: Shainna Smith (5-4, Fr., G), Lynn Renwick (5-7, Fr., F).
Outlook: Young, but experienced with good size. Should compete for MCAC title.
WILMINGTON AREA
Head coach: Katy DeMedal, third year (6-42)
2001 record: 4-20
Returning letterwinners: Elissa Marti (5-4, Sr., G), Emily Elder (5-7, Sr., G), Lacy White (5-6, Sr., F), Kylie Mackaness (6-0, Jr., C), Brittany McFarland (5-8, Jr., G), Bobbie Campbell (5-6, Jr., F), Julie Reiber (5-6, Soph., G), Megan McKinley (5-6, Jr., G), Lisa Rendos (5-7, Jr., F).
Outlook: Health is an issue. Lisa Baumgartner is out with a knee injury and Campbell won't be back until late in the season. Should finish in middle of the pack.
MERCER
Head coach: Art Amos, first year
2001 record: 14-10
Returning letterwinners: Shelah Bolyard (5-10, Sr. G/F); Amanda Kline (5-8, Sr. F); Barbie Palmer (5-4, Sr. G)
Outlook: This is Amos' first year in the girls program as he coached boys basketball for four years at Slippery Rock. Defense will be the key to the team's success, especially with a lot of new faces in the lineup.
HICKORY
Head coach: Jeannette Whitehead, seventh year (82-64)
2001 record: 15-9
Returning letterwinners: Cathy Powell (5-8, Sr. G); Jodi Geisel (5-4, Jr. G), Laura Herman (5-11, Sr. F); Chere Marshall (5-6, Soph, G); Erica Viselli (5-2, Sr. G), Deandra Evans (5-11, Soph. F); Dirsten Dickman (6-0, Jr. F).
Outlook: With four starters returning, the Hornets figure to improve on last season using their speed and size to their advantage.
XNote: This preview includes the Pennsylvania schools that responded to The Vindicator's questionnaire.