AAC girls basketball preview

RED TIER

AUSTINTOWN FITCH (I)

Coach: Stacie Cepin, sixth year, 65-43

2013-14 record: 21-2

Projected starters: Aaliyah Sadler, G, 5-9, Sr.; Sarah Obradovich, G, 5-10, Jr.; Allexis Sallee, G, 5-9, So.; Natalie Lynn, F, 5-10, So.; Alysoun Mukaabya, F, 5-11, Jr.

Other varsity players: Taylor Franczkowski, G, 5-6, Jr.; Maddie Scrocco, G, 5-7, Jr.; Mikaela Hibbs, F, 5-10, So.; Gina Difrancesco, G, 5-9, Fr.

Outlook: The Falcons lost a lot to graduation from last year’s conference champion, including Akron recruit Megan Sefcik, but they should have enough weapons to make some noise in the AAC Red.

BOARDMAN (I)

Coach: Jeff Hammerton, third season, 18-29

2013-14 record: 8-15

Projected starters: Jenna Vivo, G, 5-6, Fr.; Katie Platt, G, 5-3, Jr.; Krista Johnson, F, 5-7, Jr.; Shelby Jordan, F, 5-9, Sr.; Anna Saxton, C, 5-9, Jr.

Other varsity players: Doricia Robinson, C, 5-8, Sr.; Amber McMillan, G, 5-5, Jr.; Franchesca Cardillo, G, 5-4, Jr.; Marisa Hanna, G, 5-3, Jr.; Natalie Wilson, F, 5-7, Jr.; Lauren Gabriela, C, 5-10, So.; Lauren Pavlansky, G, 5-1, So.; Cheyanne Haywood, G, 5-8, So.

Outlook: The Spartans lost all five starters to graduation, so experience is a concern but moving from the Federal League to the AAC should help. Boardman should have good depth and will look to push the tempo to overcome a relative lack of height.

CANFIELD (I)

Coach: Matt Reel, first year

2013-14 record: 16-9

Projected starters: Rachel Tinkey, G, 5-6, Sr.; Erin Risner, F, 5-10, Sr.; Savannah Barko, G, 5-8, Sr.; Ashley Kaleel, G, 5-5, Jr.; Lynnae Whitehead, G, 5-8, Sr.; Emily Ellis, F, 5-11, Sr..

Other varsity players: Heather Haley, G, 5-7, Jr.; Marissa Donchess, G, 5-6, Jr.; Megan Heagerty, F, 5-9, Jr.; Angela Copploe, G, 5-6, So.; Alexandra Stanic, G, 5-8, So.; Brittany Coonce, F, 5-9, So; Jill Baker, G, 5-6, Fr.

Outlook: Reel, an experienced Canfield assistant and former South Range head coach, replaces longtime coach Pat Pavlansky. He’ll have plenty of talent, including Tinkey (18.5 points per game) and Risner (11.4 ppg). Look for the Cardinals to challenge for the league title.

EAST (I)

Coach: Levon Lamb, second year, 2-20

2013-14 record: 2-20

Projected starters: Breasja Jones, 5-8, Sr.; Tonneiqua Shade, 5-5, Sr.; Jaudey Bowers, 5-4, Jr.; Zanayia Brown, 5-5, So.; Timecha McQueen, 5-10, Sr.

Other varsity players: Jovohna Hughes, 5-10, Jr.; Taylor Whitfield, 5-10, Jr.; Rayonna Booth, 5-3, So.; Samantha Gomez, G, 5-8, Jr.; Alana Rosa, G, 5-7, Jr.; Deziare Clark, F, 5-10, So.; Tashauna Walls, G, 5-2, Sr.

Outlook: The Panthers have good speed and quickness, which should help the team’s defense and transition game. But East lost five seniors so experience and team cohesiveness are concerns.

HOWLAND (I)

Coach: John Diehl, 21st year, 303-158

2013-14 record: 13-10

Projected starters: Sara Price, C, 6-1, So.; Tori Rappach, G, 5-3, Jr.; Trisha Ginnis, G, 5-5, Sr.; Alexis Ross, G, 5-7, Sr.; Jada Pagan, G, 5-6, Sr.

Other varsity players: Leah Pollifrone, 5-4, So.; Izzy Albrecht, 5-6, So.; Samarra Caffey, 5-11, So.; Tyra Marrs, 5-6, So.

Outlook: Price (10.4 points per game) and Rappach (10.3 ppg) are back for the experienced Tigers, who don’t have a lot of size. Rebounding should be an issue but expected Howland to challenge Canfield for the league title.

WARREN HARDING (I)

Coach: Frank Caputo, third year, 12-34

2013-14 record: 8-15

Projected starters: Chelsea Dipaolo, G, 5-7, Sr.; Alasjia Dykes, G, 5-8, Sr.; Gariana Bercheni, G, 5-5, Jr.; Shymara Dykes, F, 6-1, Jr.; AunJanae Warfield, G/F, 5-3, Jr.

Other varsity players: Clarissa McKinney, G, 5-7, Sr.; Taya Binford, F, 6-1, Jr.; Dariann Evans, F, 5-10, Jr.; Jazmine Harrison, G, 5-6, Jr.; La’Deana Simpson, F, 5-8, Sr.; Joe’L Moss, G/F, 5-7, So.; Katelyn Daugherty, G, 5-5, So.

Outlook: The Raiders return three solid scorers in Alasjia Dykes (11.5 points per game), Shymara Dykes (10.2 ppg) and Dipaolo (9.1) and should have strong depth. Offensive rebounding and pressure defense are also strengths, but foul shooting and team chemistry are concerns.

WHITE TIER

HUBBARD (II)

Coach: Kacie Mosora, third year, 14-53

2013-14 record: 3-20

Projected starters: Michelle Peachock, F, 5-11, Sr.; Melissa Baker, F, 5-8, Sr.; Emily Manion, G, 5-9, Sr.; Logan Nitsche, G, 5-9, Jr.; Marissa Grande, G, 5-5, So.

Other varsity players: Taylor Moore, G, 5-6, Sr.; Brooke Tyson, F, 5-9, Sr.; Jenna Dripps, G, 5-9, Sr.; Annie DeLuco, F, 5-10, So.; Athena Smith, F, 5-9, So.; Cassidy Costick, G, 5-5, So.

Outlook: With seven returning letterwinners, the Eagles are more experienced and have a better grasp of Mosora’s system, which should translate into more wins.

LAKEVIEW (II)

Coach: Adam Lewis, sixth year, 63-41

2013-14 record: 22-3

Projected starters: Abby Pavlik, PG, 5-11, Sr.; Jensen Silbaugh, G, 5-10, So.; Addison Becker, F, 5-11, Jr.

Other varsity players: Cameron Becker, F, 5-9, So.; Madison Meeker, F, 5-9, So.; Kylee Mann, G, 5-9, So.; Annie Pavlansky, G, 5-11, Fr.; Lindsay Carnahan, G, 5-8, Fr.

Outlook: The Bulldogs graduated All-Ohio Ally Pavlik from their third straight conference championship team, but have three starters back, including Pavlik’s sister Abby, who averaged seven points per game last season.

NILES (II)

Coach: Doug Foster, second year, 5-16

2013-14 record: 5-16

Projected starters: Ashley Cline, F, Sr.; Braley Hale, G-F, Sr.; Amanda Blank, G, So.; Kia Allen, G, So.; Makayla Butler, G, Jr.

Other varsity players: Sara Marz, G-F, Jr.; Maddie Huber, G, Sr.; Alexis Petrich, G-F, Sr.; Tayor Ziegler, F, Jr.; Jazmine Smith, G, So.; Kirsten Cvengros, F, Sr.; Shenovah Manassa, F, Fr.; Sierra Werden, G, Fr.; Judit Gassoi, F, Jr.; Sierra Werden, G, Fr.; Judit Gassol, F, Jr.

Outlook: The Red Dragons return 10 letterwinners and are coming off a solid summer program. Team strengths should be rebounding, team play and defense.

POLAND (II)

Coach: Nick Blanch, five years, 60-54

2013-14 record: 7-16

Projected starters: Bella Gajdos, PG, 5-3, Fr.; Libby Rubesa, SG, 5-5, Sr.; Emily Melnek, SF, 5-7, So.; Jillian Penman, PF, 5-7, So.; Theodora Constantine, C, 5-8, Sr.

Other varsity players: Emily Cammack, G, 5-3, So.; Kaylin Donnadio, G, 5-2, Sr.; Maggie Sebest, F, 5-10, Fr.; Carlie Lattanzio, G, 5-0, So.; Alea Nicholudis, G, 5-4, Fr.; Joelle Abi Habib, F, 5-6, So.

Outlook: Constantine, who averaged 10.2 points per game last season, leads a relatively short and inexperienced group. But Blanch likes the team’s chemistry and athleticism.

STRUTHERS (II)

Coach: John Grandy, 12 years, 160-91

2013-14 record: 15-9

Projected starters: Caitlin Kane, G, 5-6, Jr.; Aracelli Perez, G, 5-5, Sr.; Alannah Ciccone, G, 5-4, Sr.; Preshus Brown, G, 5-5, Sr.

Other varsity players: Brionna Breznai, G, 5-4, Sr.; Torrie Smrek, F, 5-6, So.; Peyton McLaughlin, F, 5-5, So.; Khaylah Brown, G, 5-4, Fr.; Karli Shives, F, 5-5, So.; Aniyuh Spann, C, 5-8, So.; Amana Bowman, F, 5-6, Jr.

Outlook: The Wildcats’ four projected starters combined to average close to 40 points per game last season. They should have good defensive quickness but size and overall experience are concerns.

BLUE TIER

BROOKFIELD (III)

Coach: Shawn Hammond, 11 years, 154-89

2013-14 record: 16-8

Projected starters: Delaney Saxton, 6-0, Sr.; Alisha Quinlan, 5-5, Jr.; Autumn Kirila, 5-10, Jr.; McKenzie Drapola, 5-4, So.; Brooke Hiner, 5-5, Sr.

Other varsity players: Tori Sheehan, 5-9, Fr.; Madison Bellis, 5-4, So.; Brandi Bosland, 5-4, So.; Lexi Hammond, 5-4, Fr.; Destiny May, 5-10, Sr.; Michaela Gauding, 5-8, Jr.; Lauren Pesa, 5-6, So.; TaeYana Ashley, 5-5, Fr.; Eulalia Sanz Armengol, 5-7, Jr.; Dana Sydlowski, 5-11, Fr.

Outlook: Saxton and Kirila each averaged about eight points per game last season but the Warriors will have to replace three starters, so experience is an issue. Hammond likes his team’s work ethic.

CAMPBELL (III)

Coach: Kevin Douglas, third year

2013-14 record: 1-21

Projected starters: Anisha Swiney, G, Sr.; Tatyana Nelko, F, Sr.; Brianna Watkins, F, Sr.; Kayla Parker, G, Sr.; Anniyah Hakeem, G, Jr.

Other varsity players: Morgan McMeans, F, Jr.; Alaysha Burkett, F, Sr.; Allyiah Hakeem, F, Jr.; Ashley McCale, G, Sr.

Outlook: The Red Devils return six letterwinners and will start four seniors, so there’s reason to believe this year will be better than last season. Douglas is worried about his team’s defense and ability to play in transition.

CHAMPION (III)

Coach: Jeff Thompson, 16th year, 180-146

2013-14 record: 5-18

Projected starters: Izzy D’Urso, G, 5-5, So.; Molly Williams, G, 5-6, So.; Haley Dean, F, 5-7, Jr.; Erin Sindledecker, G, 5-6, So.; Megan Turner, F, 5-9, Fr.

Other varsity players: Brittany Allen, G/F, 5-6, Sr.; Alex Steigerwald, G, 5-5, So.; Ashlee Todd, F, 5-7, Sr.; Alayna Fell, G, 5-3, Fr.; Marissa Wise, G, 5-1, Fr.

Outlook: Although the Golden Flashes return six letterwinners, including D’Urso (9.3 points per game) and Williams (6.9 points per game), they’re still very young. Thompson likes the team’s overall athleticism and ball-handling skill but, like a lot of coaches, is worried about the team’s lack of size.

GIRARD (III)

Coach: Andrew Saxton, 28 years, 358-245

2013-14 record: 14-8

Projected starters: Megan Payich, G, 5-7, So.; Makayla Trebella, G, 5-6, So.; Dakota Naples, G, 5-7, So.; Ali Ciminero, G, 5-4, Jr.; Alexia Page-Boyd, F, 5-8, Jr.

Other varsity players: Camille Stoffick, F, 6-0, Jr.; Carlie Angelo, G, 5-5, So.; Saralynn Essad, F, 5-10, So.; Raquel Singer, G, 5-5, So.; Emily Scarnecchia, F, 5-7, So.

Outlook: The senior-less roster features seven sophomores and three juniors, so experience is a concern. The Indians aren’t very big, either, but they’re quick and are a popular pick to challenge for the league title.

LIBERTY (III)

Coach: Ron DeJulio, fourth year, 22-43

2013-14 record: 12-10

Projected starters: Amy Mikulich, G, 5-3, Jr.; Marcy Dykes, F, 5-8, Jr.; Sabria Francis, G, 5-4, Sr.; Maleah Schiavone, F, 5-8, Jr.; Meryl Schor, G, 5-4, Sr.; Katherine Serrano, G, 5-4, Sr.

Other varsity players: Joy Griffin, F, 5-4, Jr.; Destiny Perez, G, 5-4, So.; Briasia Battle, G, 5-7, So.; Erylin Stevens, G, 5-4, Fr.

Outlook: The Leopards lost three three-year starters to graduation but return Dykes (10 points per game) and Mikulich (8 ppg). DeJulio wants to build this year’s team around defense.

NEWTON FALLS (III)

Coach: Mark Baker, 10th year, 125-71

2013-14 record: 19-5

Projected starters: Destinee Hutson, PG, 5-7, Sr.; Sadie Sutton, G, 5-7, Sr.; Gabby Kline, PF, 6-1, Jr.; Tia Harris, PF, 5-4, Sr.

Other varsity players: Autumn Hutson, PG, 5-4, So.; Hannah Harnichar, PG, 5-6, So.; Kayla Barreca, PF, 5-10, So.; Tori Blandine, G, 5-6, So.; Anga Fowler, G, 5-4, So.; Ashley Sembach, G, 5-7, So.

Outlook: The Tigers graduated eight seniors but have plenty of returning talent, including Kline (15 points per game), Destinee Hutson (10 ppg) and Sutton (8 ppg).

Note: LaBrae did not respond to requests for information.