FEDERAL LEAGUE Girls basketball preview

BOARDMAN
Head coach: Ron Moschella, 23rd year (431-105)2002-03 record: 21-2, 8-0 SVC.Returning letterwinners: Amber Bland (5-91/2, Sr., G/F); Brittany Durkin (5-8, Sr., G); Diane Snyder (5-6, Sr., G); Jessica Moore (6-0, Jr., F/C); Brittany Sirak (5-2, Jr., G); Liz Yazbek (5-7, Jr., G); Emily Hays (6-0, Jr., F/C); April Melquist (5-111/2, Soph., F/C).Newcomer: Colleen Mallis (5-4, Soph., G).Outlook: The Spartans return two four-year starters: Bland (a two-time first-team all-state selection) and Durkin, but must replace five of their top seven players from last year. Rebounding and defense will be key if Boardman wants to compete for league title. The Spartans must find another scoring option in addition to Bland.
FITCH
Head coach: Dave Ward, first season2002-03 record: 2-21, 0-8 SVC.Returning letterwinners: Danielle Storey (5-6, Sr., G); Kantele Franko (5-4, Sr., G); Bre Alleman (5-8, Jr., F); Shae Savnik (5-4, Jr., G); Krista Mayes (6-1, Soph., C); Megan McDermott (5-6, Soph., G/F).Newcomers: Alexis Hall (6-0, Soph., C); Mollie Frederick (5-2, Jr., G); Sarah Sledd (5-8, Jr., F); Kaitlyn Smith (6-0, Jr., C).Outlook: After a rough 2002-03 season, the Falcons will first look to stay competitive through their rugged league schedule. Fitch has good size and quickness, but with only two seniors, experience will be a concern.
CANTON GLENOAK
Head coach: Gary Isler, 18th year (237-162).2002-03 record: 14-7, 8-4 Federal.Returning letterwinners: Heather Phillips, Sr.; Kelsey Morris, Sr.; Jessica Boron, Sr.; Elise Snead, Sr.; Kari Isler, Jr.; Angel West, Jr.Newcomers: Michaela Maley, Fr.; Abbie Sullivan, Jr.; Emily Williams, Jr.; Jessica Delor; Ashley Barnes; Katie Ludwig.Outlook: The team lost its top two scorers and have just one returning starter so this may be a rebuilding year.
NORTH CANTON HOOVER
Head coach: Paul Wackerly.2002-03 record: 21-4, 12-0 Federal.Newcomers: Kelly Ann Staudinger, Natasha Holloway, Amber Witt, Jessica DiRusso.Outlook: The Vikings lost five senior starters from last year's team, which nearly made it back to the state tournament after winning the title in 2001. They will need younger players to step in quickly.
MASSILLON JACKSON
Head coach: Dennis Schrock, first year.2002-03 record: 11-10, 6-6 Federal.Returning letterwinners: Amanda Beyersdorff (Sr., C); Maria Telloni (Sr., C); Bethany Haer (Jr., G).Newcomers: Rachel Campbell, So.; Laura Schmidt, So.; Shannon Long, So.; Heather Wilson, Jr.Outlook: The Polar Bears will rely on quickness and a new uptempo offense. They will look to get better as season wears on.
UNIONTOWN LAKE
Head coach: Sissy Sink, second season.2002-03 record: 6-15, 2-10 Federal.Returning letterwinners: Katie Volzer (6-0, Jr., C); Brooke Sutton (5-7, Sr., F); Erika Scheks (5-6, Soph., F); Tara Neidert (5-9, Sr., F); Krystle Merrow (5-7, Jr., G); Erica Vargo (6-0, Sr., C); Jacqui Maago (5-4, Soph., G); Hallie Pettigrew (5-5, Jr., G).Newcomers: Megan Harpring (5-8, Fr., F); Maggie Gannon (5-6, Fr., G); Mallory Hoopes (5-9, Soph., F).Outlook: Lake returns three starters and also returns Pettigrew, who had ACL surgery last year. The Blue Streaks should improve on 2002-03 record.
CANTON MCKINLEY
Head coach: Mark Hyser, second season.2002-03 record: 15-5.Returning letterwinners: Kristen Tipton (Sr., C); Jammie Sumpter (Sr., C); Tiffany Douglas (Jr., G); Molly Hofmeister (Soph., G).Newcomers: Meredith Whitehead (Sr., F); Arda Stepnay (Soph., G); Rickeyshn Risby (Soph., G); Biance Hooten (Fr., G).Outlook: The Bulldogs lost standout Treasure Humphries (24.1 points per game) and top two rebounders, but have plenty of talent remaining. They could compete for league title.
MASSILLON PERRY
Head coach: Mark Randulic, second year, 10-112002-03 record: 10-11, 4-8 Federal.Returning letterwinners: Jessie Ehmer (Sr., C); Debbie Beatty (Sr., F); Amanda Snyder (Sr., F); Theresa Carona (Jr., G); Heather Graham (Sr., G).Newcomers: Anne Randulic (Jr., G); Kasey Barton (Jr., F).Outlook: Ehmer, who averaged 10.6 points and 9.9 rebounds last season, returns to lead an experienced Panthers team. They should be in the league mix.