TRI-COUNTY LEAGUE Girls basketball preview

COLUMBIANA
Head coach: Wayne Johnson, first season. 2002-03 record: 17-3, 12-2 TCL.Returning letterwinners: Carly Washinko (6-0, Sr., F); Whitney Goist (5-6, Jr., G); Lisa Simon (6-2, Jr., C); Stacie Cross (5-4, Jr., G); Cara Hardenbrook (5-8, Jr., F); Jeni Fast (5-6, Soph., G). Newcomers: Krista Johnson (5-5, Fr., G); Colleen Eisenbraun (5-11, Jr., F); Kristina Davidson (5-8, Jr., G/F); Kylee Crittenden (5-11, Jr., F). Outlook: With six returning letterwinners, the Clippers should have a strong front court. Columbiana has the experience, athleticism and depth to challenge for the TCL title and perhaps make a tournament run.
CRESTVIEW
Head coach: Tonja Simione, seventh season (74-35). 2002-03 record: 17-5, 11-3 TCL.Returning letterwinners: Katie Kibby (6-2, Sr., C); Ann Unkefer (5-8, Jr., F); Bri Phillis (5-7, Soph., G).Newcomers: Sarah Flowers (5-8, Jr., F); Rachael Parker (5-7, Jr., F); Caitlin Crowell (5-8, Jr., PG); Chelsa Crowell (5-5, Jr., PG); Tricia Richards (5-9, Soph., F); Bethany Vlaiku (5-7, Soph., G); Elyse Mongillo (5-5, Fr., PG).Outlook: Katie Kibby (6-2) will provide the Rebels with a strong inside game. The team also has experience and is very athletic.
EAST PALESTINE
Head coach: Dan McKinstry, 26th season.2002-03 record: (10-11, 8-6 TCL).Returning letterwinners: Tennessa Greenawalt (5-3 Sr., G); Niki Herriott (5-3 Sr., G); Krystin Benkowski (5-8, Sr., F); Stephanie Foster (5-9, Sr., F); Ashley Ehrenberg (5-5, Jr., F); Korie Beight (5-5, Jr., F).Newcomers: Amanda Mesmer (5-8, Jr., F); Sam Steiner (5-5, Jr., F); Lisa Wilson (5-7, Jr., F). Michelle Haggerty (5-9, Soph., F); Sam DiCello (5-2, Soph., PG); Emilee Givens (5-8, Soph., P); Adyson Mascher (5-7, Soph., PG).Outlook: The Bulldogs will bank on quickness, experience and team chemistry this season. Questions need to be answered at rebounding and scoring.
LEETONIA
Head coach: Jerry Beltempo, fourth season (57-18).2002-03 record: 19-6, 11-3 TCL.Returning letterwinners: Seniors: Amy McCluskey (5-6, Sr., G/F); Megan McLaughlin (5-3, Sr., G); Jessica Deville (6-1, Sr., C); Alison Summers (5-9, Jr., F); Malorie Valentine (5-9, Jr., F).Newcomers: Melissa DiPanfilo (5-2, Jr., G); Kelli Chepke (5-4, Jr., G/F); Katie Grunick (5-3, Soph., G); Jessica Fiehler (5-9, Soph., F).
Outlook: The Bears' willingness to learn and their desire to compete should enhance their chances at a sixth straight district title.
LISBON
Head coach: Jamie Entrikin, third season (39-26).2002-03 record: 8-15, 4-10 TCL.Returning letterwinners: Kelly Flory (5-2, Sr., G); Meghan Brammer (5-7, Sr, G/F); Brooke Sweeney (5-2, Sr., G); Amanda McAllister (5-8, Sr., F); Samantha Dailey (5-4, Jr., G); Becky MacAleese (5-4, Jr., G).Newcomers: Emily Gerber (5-8, Sr., F); Kimberly Davis (5-10, Jr., C); Lauren Haifley (5-7, Jr., G); Caitlin Glenn (5-4, Fr., G).Outlook: The Blue Devils have 10 girls who are expected to contribute at the varsity level. Lisbon's quickness and work ethic should help.
SEBRING
2002-03 record: 5-15 overall, 3-11 TCL.Outlook: The program did not respond to a request for information.
SOUTHERN
2002-03 record: 1-19 overall, 0-14 TCL.Outlook: The program did not respond to a request for information.
UNITED
Head coach: Matt Ziegler, third season (28-15).2002-03 record: 10-12, 7-7 TCL.Returning letterwinners: Krista Reeder (5-6, Sr., G); Trista Houck (5-7, Sr., F); Ashley Bergman (5-7, Jr., G).
Newcomers: Emmy Prosko, (5-4, Jr., G); Katy Miller (5-4, Jr. G); Britney Nannah (5-9, Jr., F); Danielle Altenhof (6-0, Soph., F).Outlook: The Golden Eagles graduated 60 percent of their scoring punch and will have to have some kids step up and become leaders on offense. Free-throw shooting also is a concern.