NORTHEASTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE Preview

BADGER
Coach: Tim Bonar (3rd season, 19-24)2004-05 record: 9-13Who's back: Samantha Bonar (5-6, Sr.); Shannon Sudon (5-5, Sr.); Rachel Gaines (5-3, Sr.); Jessica White (5-5, Sr.); Kaylee Governor (5-9, Sr.); Kayla Flowers (5-7, Jr.); Rachel Dornan (5-5, Soph.); Dawnelle Jewell (5-7, Soph.)Who's new: Taylor Phillips (6-0, Fr., C); Kristina Palette (5-10, Soph.)Outlook: Bonar, a three-year letterwinner, leads the guard-heavy Braves. Size is a concern.
BRISTOL
Coach: Watson McDonald (1st season)Who's gone: Nikita Light, Megan BellinoWho's back: Juniors Hailey Dematha and Trisha HelmickWho's new: Eden Dulka (Fr.); Ashley Schreckengost (5-10, Jr.); Kaitlyn Christlieh (Soph.)Outlook: Although they lack height and experience, the Panthers will use their team speed to help new coach Watson McDonald get the program off to a successful season.
LORDSTOWN
Coach: Chuck Thomas (2nd season)2004-05 record: 3-18Who's gone: Jennifer Bennett, Emily RechWho's back: Meagan Gibson (5-9, Soph., C); Devon Davis (5-6, Sr., F)Who's new: Brianna Blodgett (5-10, Fr., C); Heather Wickline (5-6, Soph., F)Outlook: The Red Devils will rely on their defense but need to work on shooting and ball control if they want to improve on last season's record.
MAPLEWOOD
Coach: Mark Yoder (8th season, 122-52)2004-05 record: 21-1Who's gone: Stephanie Schwartz (special mention all-Ohio); Jen Grayson, Brittney BolingerWho's back: Jessica Schwartz (5-10, Sr., C); Jamie Rumple (5-9, Jr., F); Leah Dean (5-10, Soph., G); Kristen Schwartz (6-0, Soph., C)Who's new: Michelle Sloan (5-3, Fr., G); Rochelle Rupe (5-7, Jr., G); Kelly Pruski (5-10, Jr., C); Brandi Dickerson (5-8, Jr., F)Outlook: Team defense and size are strengths but the Rockets will struggle with their outside shooting. Defending quicker teams could be a problem.
MATHEWS
Coach: John Cicero Jr. (2nd season)2004-05 record: 19-3Who's gone: Tara Ford (all-state, all-county and all-league selection); Melanie Roscoe (all-state, all-county, all-league); Melissa Morrison (all-county, all-league)Who's back: Sarah King (5-8, Jr., G); Sophie Paddock (6-1, Jr., C); Lauren Roscoe (5-9, Sr., F); Laura Wise (5-4, Sr., G); Jessie Hall (5-4, Sr., G)Who's new: Allie Stein (6-0, Soph.); Carly Roscoe (5-10, Soph.); Jill Armentrout (5-8, Soph.); Lindsay Buckner (5-1, Fr.)Outlook: The Mustangs were hit hard by graduation but have one of the tallest teams in the league. They also have good speed and quickness. Paddock blocked 100 shots last season.
SOUTHINGTON
Coach: Edward Anthony (4th season, 30-35)2004-05 record: 13-9Who's gone: Dottie Plock (16 ppg); Nicole Ullinskey, Britt Gillium, Brittany Smith, Luly DonaldsonWho's back: Kala Grady (5-7, Jr., F); Veronica Stolba (5-4, Sr., G); Alexis Wolfe (5-1, Soph., G); Toni Duncan (5-6, Jr., G)Who's new: Jessica Sindledecker (5-1, Jr., G); Sara Sabo (5-6, Jr., F); Oliva Parsons (5-6, Soph)Outlook: The inexperienced Wildcats lost all five starters to graduation. They should have quickness at the guard position.
XBloomfield and Pymatuning Valley did not respond to requests for information.