girls basketball preview — district

AUSTINTOWN FITCH

Coach: Stacie Cepin (2nd year).

2009-10 record: 5-16.

OHSAA division: I.

Returning players: Marissa Mattozzi (5-6 sr.); Erica Braxton (5-11 sr.), Mariah Snowden (5-8 sr.), Anissa Hill (5-8 jr.), Alexa Lynn (5-10 jr.).

Newcomers: Amber Mims (5-7 jr.), Brenda Thompson (5-11 soph.), Breanna Edwards (5-11 soph.), Donyce Johnson (5-6 soph.), Victoria Flowers (5-5 soph.), Megan Sefcik (5-8 fr.), Cassie Custer (5-9 fr.).

Outlook: Cepin says she wants the Falcons to be a faster-paced team. “We will look to get up and down the floor and pressure teams,” she says. “We have to be a better rebounding team and more aggressive on defense this year in order to compete and be successful. I feel that we have several players that can step in and score for us, so that makes us hard to guard.”

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted):

Nov. 27 — at West Branch

Dec. 1 — Girard

Dec. 4 — at Mass. Jackson, 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 8 — at Chaney

Dec. 11 — Can. McKinley, 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 14 — at N. Can. Hoover

Dec. 18 — Poland, 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 30 — at Canfield

Jan. 5 — Cardinal Mooney

Jan. 13 — Uniontown Lake

Jan. 15 — Can. GlenOak, 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 20 — Boardman

Jan. 26 — at Warren Harding

Jan. 29 — at Mass. Perry, 2:30 p.m.

Feb. 1 — Federal League tournament

Feb. 5 — Federal League tournament, 2:30 p.m.

Feb. 7 — at Campbell Memorial

Feb. 9 — at Struthers

Feb. 12 — at Federal League tournament (Alliance), TBA

Feb. 16 — East

BOARDMAN

Coach: Ron Moschella (30th year, 564-138).

2009-10 record: 19-5.

OHSAA division: I.

Projected starters: Brooke Meenachan (5-10 sr., 8.0 ppg); Kayleigh Lipke (6-0 sr., 10.0 ppg); Missy DeMarinis (5-3, sr.); Amanda Volosin (5-6 sr.); Allison Borets (5-9 sr.).

Other varsity players: Emily Gibbs (5-11 soph.), Jenna Kuzek (5-6 fr.), Kelly Tomcsanyi (5-11 fr.), Brianna Fonderlin (5-6 fr.), Alex DeFabio (5-0 jr.), Megan Volosin (5-7 fr.), Tori Moore (5-7 jr.).

Outlook: Moschella likes his team’s quickness, attitude and work ethic. The Spartans must replace three starters from last year, however, and the coach is concerned about the team’s shooting thus far.

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted):

Nov. 29 — at Cardinal Mooney

Dec. 11 — at Mass. Perry, 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 15 — at Canfield

Dec. 18 — Can. McKinley, 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 — at E. Cle. Shaw

Dec. 29 — at Uniontown Lake

Jan. 3 — East

Jan. 5 — at Ursuline

Jan. 8 — at Can. GlenOak, 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 15 — at Mass. Jackson, 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 18 — Canfield

Jan. 20 — at Austintown Fitch

Jan. 24 — at East

Jan. 29 — N. Can. Hoover

Feb. 1 — Federal League tournament

Feb. 5 — Federal League tournament, 2:30 p.m.

Feb. 9 — Bedford

Feb. 12 — at Federal League tournament (Alliance), TBA

Feb. 14 — Streetsboro

Feb. 17 — at Akr. Firestone

BROOKFIELD

Coach: Shawn Hammond (8th year, 105-52).

2009-10 record: 7-14.

OHSAA division: III.

Returning starters: Shannon Snow (5-7 jr.), Kayla Boyer (5-6 soph.).

Other varsity players: Amy Rasoul (5-6 jr.), Caroline Kusky (5-7 jr.), Tori Thompson (5-4 soph.), Caylin Corns (5-5 soph.), Raeschelle Foster (5-5 soph.), Ali Harpster (5-5 soph.), Lauren Hawley (5-5 fr.), Danielle DiChristoforo (5-4 fr.).

Outlook: Warriors must adapt to being an independent again after several years of league affiliation. “We have good team speed and [are] very balanced at all positions,” says Hammond. Brookfield doesn’t have a lot of size, which is a concern, and young players without much varsity experience are going to have to step up in support of Snow and Boyer.

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted):

Nov. 29 — Mathews

Dec. 2 — at LaBrae

Dec. 6 — Maplewood

Dec. 9 — Newton Falls

Dec. 11 — at Pymatuning Valley, 2:30 p.m.

Dec.13 — Youngstown Christian

Dec. 16 — Warren JFK

Dec. 23 — at Lowellville

Dec. 29-30 — Brookfield Tournament

Jan. 3 — Badger

Jan. 6 — at Newton Falls

Jan. 10 — at Campbell Memorial

Jan. 19 — Heartland Christian

Jan. 22 — at Niles, 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 24 — Girard

Feb. 2 — at Heartland Christian

Feb. 5 — at Jefferson

Feb. 7 — at Youngstown Christian

Feb. 10 — at Champion

CARDINAL MOONEY

Coach: Bill Ritter (1st year).

2009-10 record: 9-12.

OHSAA division: II.

Projected starters: Chyna Davis (5-8 sr., 5.0 ppg); Elena Andino-Esperra (5-7 sr., 5.0 ppg); Christine Pelini (5-6 jr., 4.0 ppg); Katrina Larson (5-9 jr., 4.0 ppg); Taylor Woytek (5-9 jr., 8.0 ppg).

Other varsity players: Dina Daltorio (5-4 sr.), Erin O’Shaughnessy (5-4 jr.), Madison Olesh (5-4 jr.), Brie Ozenghar (5-5 soph.), Marisa Manuel (5-7 soph.), Rachael Rosa (5-4 soph.), Macy Marlowe (5-4 soph.), Shannon Saadey (5-3 soph.), Jamie DiDomenico (5-4 fr.)

Outlook: Ritter begins his first season facing an uphill battle — literally, with no player taller than 5-9. Still, he likes the way the team has rebounded in camp, and they are shooting well. Several injuries in November will test the Cardinals’ depth.

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted):

Nov. 26 — United

Nov. 29 — Boardman

Dec. 2 — at Springfield

Dec. 6 — at Salem

Dec. 9 — East

Dec. 15 — at Howland

Dec. 18 — Ursuline, 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 22 — Can. Cent. Cath.

Dec. 29 — at East Palestine

Jan. 5 — at Austintown Fitch

Jan. 12 — Youngstown Christian

Jan. 15 — Kennedy Catholic, 3:30 p.m.

Jan. 17 — at St. Thomas Aquinas

Jan. 20 — at Ursuline

Jan. 24 — Ash. Lakeside

Jan. 27 — at Warren JFK

Feb. 2 — at Warren Harding

Feb. 5 — Magnificat, 3:30 p.m.

Feb. 9 — at Chaney

Feb. 12 — at West Branch, 2:30 p.m.

CHANEY

Coach: Bernard Bohla (2nd year).

2009-10 record: 5-16.

OHSAA division: I.

Projected starters: Laniece McRae (6-1 sr., 12 ppg); Chmika Kennedy (5-4 soph., 8 ppg); Zatonna Yancey (5-8 jr., 6 ppg); Mylesia Cotton (5-7 jr., 3 ppg); Maujanette Feagins (5-11 jr., 5 ppg).

Outlook: Bohla says the Cowgirls will be a strong rebounding team, and he likes their quickness. “The keys to a successful season with staying healthy,” he says. Bohla also has several goals for the Cowgirls to be successful — keeping turnovers to less than 10 per game, shooting at least 60 percent at the foul line, and executing set offensive plays.

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted):

Dec. 1 — at Mineral Ridge

Dec. 8 — Austintown Fitch

Dec. 11 — Springfield

Dec. 13 — at East Liverpool

Dec. 15 — Heartland Christian

Dec. 20 — at South Range

Dec. 28 — at Hickory Tournament

Dec. 29 — at Hickory Tournament

Jan. 3 — at Heartland Christian

Jan. 5 — Youngstown Christian

Jan. 12 — East

Jan. 19 — at Poland

Jan. 22 — Cle. St. DePorres, 1:30 p.m.

Jan. 24 — at Youngstown Christian

Jan. 27 — at Liberty

Feb. 3 — at Niles

Feb. 7 — at Ursuline

Feb. 9 — Cardinal Mooney

Feb. 14 — East Liverpool

Feb. 17 — East

EAST

Coach: Tanisha Franklin (4th year, 75-37 overall).

2009-10 record: 15-8.

OHSAA division: I.

Projected starters: Naryallen Allen (5-9 sr., 5.2 ppg); Lesa Monet Oliver (5-8 sr., 10.4 ppg); Chelsea Bennet (5-8 sr., 10.9 ppg); Shienne Williams (5-5 soph.); Ashlyn Baker (5-9 soph.).

Other varsity players: Brae Hudsin (5-5 soph.), Breonna Hudson (5-5 soph.), Darrian Shaw (5-8 jr.), Jacica Stoffer (5-10 sr.).

Outlook: The Panthers will look to the three core seniors in Allen, Oliver, and Bennet for leadership and success. “The keys to a successful season will be defense, total team effort, and very good rebounding,” says Franklin. East will have very young guard play, however, and a few first time varsity players.

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted):

Nov. 29 — East Palestine

Dec. 2 — at Massillon

Dec. 4 — Can. Cent. Cath., 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 9 — at Cardinal Mooney

Dec. 11 — Ursuline (Covelli Centre), 10:15 a.m.

Dec. 13 — Liberty

Dec. 15 — Warren Harding

Dec. 16 — Youngstown Christian

Dec. 28 — Akr. Firestone

Jan. 3 — at Boardman

Jan. 8 — at Shaker Hts., 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 11 — at Warren Harding

Jan. 12 — at Chaney

Jan. 15 — at Akr. SVSM

Jan. 20 — at Warren JFK

Jan. 24 — Boardman

Jan. 27 — at Ursuline

Feb. 7 — Lake Ridge Academy

Feb. 16 — at Austintown Fitch

Feb. 17 — Chaney

EAST LIVERPOOL

Coach: Emily Reed (1st year).

2009-10 record: 4-14.

OHSAA division: II.

Projected starters: Kelsie Wymer (5-2 jr.), Mallory Waggle (5-2 jr.), Whittni Davison (5-8 jr.), Kristen Cowart (5-9 sr.), Sarah Guthrie (5-10 sr.).

Other varsity players: Megan Mayfield (5-10 sr.), Emily Walker (5-2 sr.), Shauntrice Carter (5-2 jr.).

Outlook: The Potters will have a new coach and a new up-tempo offense looking to push the ball up the floor. “We have quick guards with previous varsity experience,” says Reed. “We have decent sized post players with good basketball knowledge as well.” Reed hopes to build on team unity and rely heavily on the “team” mentality to get through rough patches throughout the season.

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted):

Nov. 26 — Lisbon

Nov. 30 — at Wellsville

Dec. 2 — Youngstown Christian

Dec. 6 — Steubenville Cath. Cent.

Dec. 9 — Weir (W. Va.)

Dec. 13 — Chaney

Dec. 21 — at Brooke (W. Va.)

Dec. 30 — at Steubenville Cath. Cent.

Jan. 3 — at Oak Glen (W. Va.)

Jan. 6 — at Weir (W. Va.)

Jan. 12 — at Carrollton

Jan. 19 — at Youngstown Christian

Jan. 20 — Beaver Local

Jan. 24 — Oak Glen (W. Va.)

Jan. 27 — Brooke (W. Va.)

Jan. 29 — Wellsville

Feb. 4 — at Beaver Local

Feb. 7 —OVAC tournament

Feb. 10 — OVAC tournament

Feb. 12 — at Poland, 2:30 p.m.

HEARTLAND CHRISTIAN

Coach: Justin Burnette (1st year).

2009-10 record: 5-14.

OHSAA division: IV.

Projected starters: Taylor Hause (sr.), Stephanie Griffith (sr.), Erin Letarte (sr.), Dawn LaRiccia (sr.), Kris Miller (sr.)

Other varsity players: Ashley Wiekart (soph.), Hannah Fidoe (sr.), Rosealin Morris (soph.).

Outlook: A senior-dominated lineup gives Heartland hope for an improved record, but a lack of players means the team must stay out of foul trouble and injury-free.

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted):

Nov. 29 — at Southern

Dec. 2 — at Sebring

Dec. 7 — at Badger

Dec. 9 — Heritage Christian, 6 p.m.

Dec. 15 — at Chaney

Dec. 16 — at Portersville Christian, 6 p.m.

Dec. 23 — at Maplewood

Dec. 28 — Sebring

Jan. 3 — Chaney

Jan. 13 — at Heritage Christian, 6 p.m.

Jan. 15 — Southern

Jan. 19 — at Brookfield

Jan. 21 — at Beaver Co. Christian (Pa.), 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 24 — Massillon Christian, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 2 — Brookfield

Feb. 7 — at Massillon Christian, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 8 — Portersville Christian, 6 p.m.

Feb. 10 — Lordstown

URSULINE

Coach: Sean Durkin (13th year, 214-86).

2009-10 record: 13-10.

OHSAA division: III.

Projected starters: Aurielle Irizarry (5-5 jr., 15.4 ppg); Shantel Boss (5-4 sr., 1.1 ppg); Courtney Powell (6-0 sr., 12.4 ppg); Ja’Niece Whitehead (5-6 sr., 5.1 ppg); Sydney Beasley (5-9 soph., 4.2 ppg).

Other varsity player: Rakia Levesque (5-3 sr.).

Outlook: The Irish have a lot of experience and quickness coming back this season, but lack in the depth chart. Size will also be an issue as they have a very competitive schedule.

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted):

Dec. 2 — at Mass. Perry

Dec. 8 — at Salem

Dec. 11 — East (Covelli Centre), 10:15 a.m.

Dec. 15 — at Kennedy Catholic

Dec. 18 — at Cardinal Mooney, 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 22 — Bedford Chanel, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 29 — at Akr. St. Vincent-St. Mary

Jan. 5 — Boardman

Jan. 8 — Cle. St. Joseph Academy, 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 12 — Akr. Hoban

Jan. 20 — Cardinal Mooney

Jan. 22 — at Twinsburg

Jan. 27 — East

Jan. 29 — Walsh Jesuit, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 31 — at Warren JFK

Feb. 3 — at Bedford

Feb. 5 — at Lake Ridge Academy

Feb. 7 — Chaney

Feb. 10 — Mentor Lake Catholic

Feb. 15 — at Hathaway Brown

WARREN HARDING

Coach: P.J. Notar (11th year, 151-89).

2009-10 record: 17-4.

OHSAA division: I.

Projected starters: Brianna McCurdy (jr.), Anita Brown (jr.), Kourtney Williams (sr.), Diamann Hymes (sr.), Brittany Rumple (sr.).

Other varsity players: Tyra Reed (jr.), Kayla Jackson (sr.), Alexis Simpson (jr.), Audreyonna Baldridge (soph.).

Outlook: The Raiders return two starters and is blessed with experience this season. “Our strength is in our speed and basketball skills,” says Notar. “We will have to be patient on offense and use our basketball talents in order to have a successful season.”

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted):

Nov. 30 — at Champion

Dec. 4 — Cleveland Hts.

Dec. 8 — at Ash. Edgewood

Dec. 15 — at East

Dec. 18 — Euclid

Dec. 22 — at Farrell, 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 29 — South Range

Jan. 3 — Geneva

Jan. 8 — Mentor

Jan. 15 — at Shaker Heights

Jan. 20 — Stow

Jan. 22 — at Cleveland Hts.

Jan. 26 — Austintown Fitch

Jan. 29 — at Euclid

Feb. 2 — Cardinal Mooney

Feb. 5 — at Mentor

Feb. 10 — Howland

Feb. 12 — Shaker Heights

Feb. 17 — at Jefferson

Feb. 19 — Madison, 2:30 p.m.

WARREN JFK

Coach: John Baytos (5th year, 30-55).

2009-10 record: 11-10.

OHSAA division: IV.

Projected starters: Paige Klaric (5-3 sr., 18.3 ppg); Erin McBride (5-6 sr., 8.0 ppg), Kelsie Massacci (5-2 sr., 9.2 ppg), Megan Lieber (5-7 jr., 3.0 ppg), Raesha Gaston (5-7 sr., 2.0 ppg).

Other varsity players: Sarah Dickson (5-7 sr.), Steffanie Boose (5-5 jr.), Chanel Thornton (5-3 jr.), Angeline Coates (5-4 soph.), Lauren Lee (5-2 soph.), Natalie Ambrosy (5-4 soph.)

Outlook: Any discussion starts with Klaric, one of the area’s top returning players. The Eagles will have plenty of proving scoring in McBride and Massacci to go with her, as well. Not surprisingly, Baytos’ plan is to force the tempo and get his scorers going.

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted):

Nov. 26 — at Grand Valley

Nov. 29 — Newton Falls

Dec. 2 — United

Dec. 6 — Beaumont

Dec. 9 — Parma Padua

Dec. 13 — at Girard

Dec. 16 — at Brookfield

Dec. 22 — at Lisbon

Dec. 27 — Mathews

Dec. 30 — at Badger

Jan. 3 — at Southington

Jan. 6 — Western Reserve Academy

Jan. 13 — Champion

Jan. 20 — East

Jan. 24 — Kennedy Catholic

Jan. 27 — Cardinal Mooney

Jan. 31 — Ursuline

Feb. 3 — at Youngstown Christian

Feb. 7 — at Alliance

Feb. 10 — at Maplewood

WEST BRANCH

Coach: Walt DeShields (6th year, 65-45).

2009-10 record: 13-9.

OHSAA division: II.

Returning players: Brandi Snyder (5-4 sr., 6.9 ppg); Andrea Wingett (5-10 sr., 4.6 ppg); Tia King (5-4 sr., 6.0 ppg); Hannah Griffith (5-11 sr., 3.3 ppg); Rebekah Zets (5-8 jr., 5.0 ppg); Niki Carlton (5-7 jr., 0.7 pgg).

Newcomers: Taylor Metzgar (5-6 sr.), Kelsey Loiselle (5-11 jr.), Brittany Bryte (5-4 soph.), Amanda Linhart (5-8 fr.).

Outlook: With six returning letter winners and three starters coming back, the Warriors look to continue their 16 consecutive winning seasons streak. “We will continue looking for our girls to work hard and be tough on the defensive side of the ball this season,” says DeShields. Defense is the cornerstone of West Branch’s program, giving up only 40.6 points per game last season. “We will need to develop some girls off the bench that will create some depth, helping us to improve throughout the season,” DeShields says.

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted):

Nov. 27 — Austintown Fitch

Dec. 1 — at Southeast

Dec. 4 — Marlington, 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 8 — at Canfield

Dec. 11 — at Carrollton, 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 15 — at Louisville

Dec. 18 — at Can. South, 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 22 — United

Dec. 29 — Minerva

Jan. 5 — at Northwest

Jan. 8 — Alliance, 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 15 — at Marlington, 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 19 — Carrollton

Jan. 22 — Louisville, 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 29 — Can. South, 2:30 p.m.

Feb. 2 — at Minerva

Feb. 5 — Northwest, 2:30 p.m.

Feb. 9 — at Alliance

Feb. 12 — Cardinal Mooney, 2:30 p.m.

Feb. 16 — at Salem

YOUNGSTOWN CHRISTIAN

Coach: Bill Hoelzel (1st year).

2009-10 record: 8-14.

OHSAA division: IV.

Projected starters: Rashida Strozier (5-3 sr., 10 ppg); Caylin Hayes (5-3 sr., 0 ppg); Natalie Hoelzel (5-6 soph., 8 ppg); Shannell Harris (5-5 soph., 9 ppg); Cashia Moyer (5-9 soph., 3 ppg).

Other varsity players: Allie Klumpp (5-3 soph.), Toi Brown (5-8 soph.), Cami Chickonoski (5-9 soph.), Damianna Armour (5-5 soph.), Kimberly Gilmore (5-6 soph.).

Outlook: Youngstown Christian will be a young team with just two seniors and seven sophomores. They will rely on their speed and agility to get past a tough schedule due to not being in a league.

Schedule (games at 7:30 p.m. unless noted):

Nov. 27 — at Leetonia

Nov. 29 — United

Dec. 2 — at East Liverpool

Dec. 4 — Grafton Christian School, 2 p.m.

Dec. 13 — at Brookfield

Dec. 16 — at East

Dec. 20 — Lowellville

Dec. 23 — Leetonia

Jan. 5 — at Chaney

Jan. 8 — at Ash. Sts. John & Paul, 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 12 — at Cardinal Mooney

Jan. 13 — Mathews

Jan. 19 — East Liverpool

Jan. 22 — Campbell Memorial, 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 24 — Chaney

Jan. 29 — Lake Ctr. Christian

Feb. 3 — Warren JFK

Feb. 7 — Brookfield

Feb. 15 — at Grand Valley

Feb. 19 — at Campbell Memorial

Staff reports