STEEL VALLEY CONFERENCE Girls basketball preview

CARDINAL MOONEY
Head coach: Jack Bermann, first season.
2002-03 record: 15-8, 4-4 SVC.
Returning letterwinners: Gina Brunetti (5-7, Jr., G); Amber Bodrick (5-8, Jr., F); Kacie Kubik (5-5, Jr., G); Dana Palazzo (5-7, Jr., G); Bridget Kelly (6-1, Sr., C).
Newcomers: Colleen Zajac (6-1, Soph., C); Morgan Ucchino (5-5, Soph., G); Danielle Daltorio (5-6, Soph., G); Becca Brocker (5-9, Jr., F).
Outlook: The Cardinals' team speed and depth should give them a chance to beat league favorite Ursuline. They will have to overcome a lack of size and varsity game experience. Bermann is a long-time assistant who will need time to adjust to his first head-coaching job.
URSULINE
Head coach: Sean Durkin, sixth season (95-28).
2002-03 record: 22-3, 6-2 SVC.
Returning letterwinners: Courtney Davidson (5-5, Sr., G); Tyra Grant (5-11, Soph., F); Vannessa Dickson (5-8, Soph., G); Rebecca Slattery (5-10, Sr., F); Cierra Bennett (5-9, Jr., F).
Newcomers: Tiffani Miller (5-9, Soph., F); Tiffany Walsh (5-4, Jr., G); Sarah Stroney (5-6, Sr., G); Julie Koury (5-10, Sr., F); Staci Ziobert (5-9, Sr., F); Lauren Brooks (5-6, Sr., G).
Outlook: The Irish are three-time defending Division III district champions and carry those high expectations into the season. Davidson, who has 1,520 career points, signed with Michigan State. She and Grant should lead the team's attack. Ursuline will benefit from good quickness and strong defense, but its depth is lacking.
WARREN HARDING
Head coach: David Jenkins, second season (8-14).
2002-03 record: 8-14, 2-6 SVC.
Returning letterwinners: Desirae Jenkins (5-10, Jr.); Erika Molden (5-8, Sr.); JaLeena Davis (6-0, Sr.); Ashley Elder (5-8, Sr.); LaBrea Crawford (6-2, Jr.); India Carson (5-3, Sr.).
Newcomers: Jessica Kenney (5-3, Sr.); Aramys Patterson (5-7, Sr.); Nikki Makridis (5-6, Jr.); Melissa Rodriguez (5-7, Jr.); Antoinette Carmichael (5-8, Jr.); Janine McDonald (5-6, Soph.); Shalonna Davenport (6-0, Sr.).
Outlook: The Raiders should benefit from the experience of Coach Jenkins, who begins his second season with the program. Lost to graduation was the scoring punch of Sharina Freeman, but Jenkins is looking for strong play from returning starters Desirae Jenkins, his daughter, and Erika Molden. First-year player Janine McDonald is a sophomore point guard from Pennsylvania.