J&C Girls Hoops Classic by Journal & Courier

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Girls J&C Hoops Classic

Sunday, November 14, 2010 | jconline.com

About the tournament

Tournament schedule At McCutcheon Monday McCutcheon vs. Twin Lakes, 6 p.m. Harrison vs. Frankfort, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday West Lafayette vs. Lafayette Jeff, 6 p.m. Central Catholic vs. Benton Central, 7:30 p.m. Thursday Monday’s losers, 6 p.m. Tuesday’s losers, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19 Monday’s winners, 6 p.m. Tuesday’s winners, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20 Auxiliary gym Seventh place, 4 p.m. Main gym Fifth place, 4 p.m. Third place, 6 p.m. Championship, 8 p.m.

The sixth-annual girls J&C Hoops Classic is a tournament featuring the ﬁve Tippecanoe County high schools, along with Benton Central, Frankfort and Twin Lakes.

On the cover From left: Benton Central’s Hillary Moore, Frankfort’s Alex Thompson, Twin Lakes’ Audrey Matteson, Lafayette Jeff’s Kayla McCall, Harrison’s Cecy Linzey, McCutcheon’s Jessica Valley, West Lafayette’s Morgan McLuckey and Central Catholic’s Olivia Walker. Special thanks to Tim Fitzgerald of Exploration Acres. — Photo by Michael Heinz/Journal & Courier Journal & Courier file photo

The girls J&C Hoops Classic championship trophy.

Team previews Benton Central ...........................3 Central Catholic........................ 4 Frankfort ..................................... 5 Harrison ..................................... 6 Lafayette Jeff ............................. 8 McCutcheon.............................. 9 West Lafayette ....................... 10 Twin Lakes .................................11

Girls J&C Hoops Classic

Sunday, November 14, 2010 | jconline.com

BENTON CENTRAL BISON those second and third chance opportunities.”

Quick shots Coach: David Baxter (first season; 76-82 in eighth year overall) 2009-10 results: 19-5, lost to Griffith 45-35 in regional semifinals Conference: Hoosier Sectional: Class 3A, Sectional 20 Sectional opponents: Frankfort, Northwestern, Twin Lakes, West Lafayette, Western (host)

Returning stat leaders

Moore

Tolen

Scoring: Hillary Moore (12.1) Rebounding: Moore (8.0) Assists: Caitlyn Tolen (1.8) Steals: Tolen (3.6)

Last season Offensive average: 53.0 Defensive average: 39.0 Since the inception of the girls J&C Hoops Classic, no team has been more dominant than the Bison. Benton Central won the ﬁrst tournament in 2005 and has an overall record of 9723 in those ﬁve seasons, Baxter including two sectionals and a regional championship. Last season’s 53 points per game were the least in a season by BC during that stretch, but the 39 points allowed was the best. The Bison have played in the J&C Hoops championship game three times. BC began last season 12-1 before losing three straight. The Bison rebounded to win seven straight, including the sectional championship.

NEWCOMERS

C. Deno

With several returning players, there isn’t much room to insert new players into the lineup. Sophie Marquie will provide post depth and foreign exchange student Marie Gadeberg will help an already physical post team. “Our foreign exchange student, Marie, she’s aggressive and physical,” Moore said. “She gets in there and isn’t afraid to take anything.”

Cobb

ON GUARD The Bison return talented sophomore Caitlyn Tolen to run the point after she averaged 9.4 points and 3.8 rebounds, while leading the team in steals and blocks as a freshman. Tolen also has plenty of talent surrounding her on the wings. Cassidy Deno led the team in 3-point shooting as a freshman and averaged 8 points per game. Juniors Ayren Cobb (7.6 points per game) and Dani Rettig also return. “We are pretty fortunate to have four guards who are pretty interchangeable,” coach David Baxter said. Tolen had 44 assists last season while sharing the dishing duties with 2010 graduate Marissa Crowe. While the Bison graduated three players from last season’s sectional championship team, Tolen sees plenty of passing options. With a year of varsity experience for Tolen and Deno, the expectations will be higher as sophomores to lead a team with plenty of returnees. “It deﬁnitely helps a lot knowing everyone has that year or two under their belts,” Tolen said.

FRONT LINE For the past three years, Hillary Moore has harassed post players. The senior, who is committed to IPFW, nearly averaged a double-double each of the last two years. Deno also can shift to the post and Abby Rettig will see an expanded role after playing in nine games last season. The Bison hope to have a rebounding edge. “That’s the luxury of having a Hillary Moore,” Baxter

OUTLOOK

By Brent Drinkut/Journal & Courier

Hillary Moore.

Roster No. Name 4 Morgan Wolf 10 Marie Gadeberg 12 Caitlyn Tolen 14 Cassidy Deno 22 Courtney Lester 23 Ayren Cobb 24 Kinsey Deno 30 Sophie Marquie 32 Dani Rettig 40 Hillary Moore 42 Abby Rettig

Pos. Ht. Yr. G 5-4 Jr. F/C 5-11 Jr. G 5-11 So. F 5-11 So. F 5-10 So. G 5-6 Jr. F 5-10 Jr. C 5-10 So. G/F 5-8 Jr. C 6-0 Sr. F 5-7 Sr.

said. “One of the things we’ve stressed is we need her to dominate on both ends. We’ve got some perimeter shooters, but a good perimeter shooter is still going to miss 70 percent of her shots. “We’ve got to be able to get

G et

When you play girls basketball at Benton Central, expectations are always high. That is the case again this season for the two-time defending sectional champs. “Five of our girls have played AAU this summer, which really helped them out not only on the offensive end getting stronger with the basketball, but getting stronger on the defensive end,” Moore said. “We are just that step above what we were last year.” Despite a coaching change, things aren’t changing in the transition from Pat Cole to Baxter, who has been an assistant under Cole at BC. “There are high expectations here every year,” Baxter said. “We want to maintain that tradition. We like having that pressure on our backs.” — Sam King/ sking@jconline.com

complete tournament coverage on jconline.com ��

Girls J&C Hoops Classic

Sunday, November 14, 2010 | jconline.com

CENTRAL CATHOLIC KNIGHTS Quick shots Coach: Pat Tharp (13-12 in second season) 2009-10 results: 13-12, lost to Turkey Run 46-32 in regional championship Conference: Hoosier Heartland Sectional: Class A, Sectional 53 (host) Sectional opponents: Clinton Prairie, Frontier, Rossville, Tri-Central

Returning stat leaders

Walker

King

Scoring: Olivia Walker (15.1) Rebounding: Molly King (6.9) Assists: Ashley Adams (2.2) Steals: Adams (2.1)

Last season Offensive average: 51.4 Defensive average: 47.4 The Knights advanced to the J&C Hoops Classic championship last season for the ﬁrst time and also made it to the regional championship in their ﬁrst year under coach Pat Tharp. Tharp CC also posted its highest scoring average since its 2005-06 state championship winning team. Turnovers plagued the Knights, who were never able to put together more than two consecutive wins until the postseason. Despite outrebounding Turkey Run by 18 in the regional championship, the Knights shot poorly and were not able to claim the title.

Adams

Gruse

ON GUARD Olivia Walker and Ashley Adams are veterans, but last year’s newcomers have had a year to develop and build strength. Perhaps no one improved more than junior Adrienne Cramer. “Adrienne got a lot stronger, a lot quicker,” Walker said. “She’s playing great defense.” On top of that, Alanna Roswarski averaged 6.2 points as a freshman and junior Lauren Hruskovich has improved her shooting. “We had a great summer. Our underclassmen girls worked really hard and everybody has improved a great deal,” coach Pat Tharp said. “The depth we are going to have compared to what we had last year is going to be really good for our team.”

FRONT LINE The unfortunate thing for CC was that Sami Gruse missed most of last season with an injury. The fortunate thing is Morgan Hainje stepped in and averaged 7.6 points and 4.6 rebounds. Now, Gruse, Hainje and Molly King form an experienced post that can all interchange with one another. “Morgan was a huge part for us last year,” King said. At 6-feet, King will have a size advantage on most nights. As a junior, King averaged 8 points, 6.9 rebounds and had 40 blocks in 24 games. “I think for a 1A school, we have some size you don’t always have at this level,” Tharp said. “It is amazing what an injury can do. It opens up an opportunity for someone else and Morgan did step in. Sami is such a smart player. She makes our team a much better team when she is on the ﬂoor.”

Journal & Courier file photo

Olivia Walker is one of four seniors who played key roles in leading CC to the Class A volleyball state title earlier this month.

Roster

OUTLOOK

No. Name Pos. Ht. Yr. 3 Lauren Hruskovich G/F 5-9 Jr. 4 Adrienne Cramer G 5-4 Jr. 10 Ashley Adams G 5-9 Sr. 12 Sydney Martin F 5-6 Jr. 20 Sami Gruse F 5-10 Sr. 22 Morgan Hainje F 5-9 Jr. 24 Olivia Walker G 5-11 Sr. 30 Molly King F/C 6-0 Sr. 32 Emily Denhart G 5-9 Fr. 34 Alanna Roswarski G 5-9 So. 44 Suzanne Sheetz C 5-8 Jr.

The Knights may not be sharp early. Several players will be competing with just ﬁve practices under their belt after playing on the state volleyball championship team. “Half of the equation is trying to teach them about competitive greatness,” Tharp said. “For them to have the fortitude to bring that home, what a special thing for them. I’d take that any day of the week.” The Knights also have won ﬁve straight sectional championships and did not lose any players from last year’s team. “We aren’t exactly in basketball shape yet,” King said. “We do have four seniors coming back and we’re all starters.”

NEWCOMERS During summer workouts, one player kept catching Walker’s eye. Freshman guard Emily Denhart will split time between JV and varsity, but the players and coaching staff expect her to blend in well with the varsity. “Emily Denhart will be a great asset to us,” Walker said.

— Sam King/ sking@jconline.com

Girls J&C Hoops Classic

Sunday, November 14, 2010 | jconline.com

FRANKFORT HOT DOGS Quick shots Coach: Andy Ross (ﬁrst season; 89-103 in 10th year overall) 2009-10 results: 10-12; lost to Western 45-34 in sectional semiﬁnals Conference: Sagamore Sectional: Class 3A, Sectional 20 Sectional: Benton Central, Northwestern, Twin Lakes, West Lafayette, Western (host)

Returning stat leaders Scoring: Alex Thompson (12.3) Rebounding: Thompson (6.8) Assists: Thompson (4.5) Steals: Thompson Thompson (3.0)

Last season Offensive average: 46.6 Defensive average: 42.4 For the ﬁrst time in 25 seasons, Ed Niehaus will not be the coach of the Hot Dogs. Ross moves from the boys program to take over the team. He inherits a program Ross that has won at least 10 games for six straight seasons. The Hot Dogs began last season 5-2, but endured a four-game losing streak to fall below .500. Frankfort eventually suffered its ﬁrst losing season since 2003-04, but returns its main offensive weapon in Alex Thompson. Last year’s leading scorer, Brook Howe, and her twin sister Blair have graduated, as has fellow guard Graham Warwick.

Leach

Miller

ON GUARD Alex Thompson has had big scoring nights throughout her three previous years as a starter. But this season she’ll be asked to score more on a consistent basis with the graduation of twins Brook and Blair Howe, coach Andy Ross said. With a team that consists of three seniors, Thompson is aware her already heavy responsibilities will be expanded this season. “I know I need to be a leader and be patient with my team this year,” Thompson said. “We’re young. I don’t expect a state championship, but I expect us to push our goals and accomplish those goals and just get better as the season goes on.” Thompson will lead a backcourt that will also include Alex Taylor at the point, along with Sara Ross and Morgan Miller.

FRONT LINE The Hot Dogs hope to compensate their lack of size with team speed and athletic ability. “We’re not going to be huge by any stretch of the imagination, but we feel like we are going to be able to compensate for a lot of our size by doing things defensively,” Ross said. “Obviously on the other end of the ﬂoor, we’ll probably be tougher to match up with some bigger people because we’ll be a little bit quicker.” At 5-foot-11, senior Whitney Leach returns at center. Leach will rely on Thompson’s leaping ability and 5-8 sophomore Lacey Loveless to help with rebounding. “We all have our own strengths,” Leach said. “As a team, I think we have enough to pull through.”

Journal & Courier file photo

Frankfort’s Alex Thompson is preaching patience this season.

Roster No. Name 12 Alex Thompson 15 Alex Taylor 21 Whitney Leach 22 Sara Ross 23 Morgan Miller 24 Adriana Olivas 25 Marissa Barrett 31 Whitney O’Brien 33 Lacey Loveless 50 Tisha Foust

Pos. Ht. G 5-9 G 5-4 C 5-11 G 5-2 F 5-5 G 5-4 F 5-7 F 5-7 F 5-8 F 5-8

Yr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. Jr.

NEWCOMERS Miller was primarily a junior varsity player last season and will see an expanded role. Marissa Barrett also will make the move up from the JV to provide depth down low. Freshman Whitney O’Brien will need time to develop, but is another possibility inside. Loveless will be a key contributor in her ﬁrst year as a primary varsity player.

“She will probably play quite a bit for us,” Ross said of Loveless.

OUTLOOK With a ﬁrst-year head coach who takes over for Ed Niehaus after 24 years, schemes will change. The Hot Dogs are also inexperienced, with Thompson and Leach the only key pieces returning. It may take some time to work out the kinks, but Ross sees potential. “When you are putting in new things, if you have success early, it builds conﬁdence,” Ross said. “We’d like to get some wins early, but our primary goal is we want to be playing our best come sectional time.” — Sam King/ sking@jconline.com

Girls J&C Hoops Classic

Sunday, November 14, 2010 | jconline.com

HARRISON RAIDERS Quick shots Coach: Jake Rettig (ﬁrst season) 2009-10 results: 2-20; lost to McCutcheon 58-30 in sectional semiﬁnals Conference: Hoosier Crossroads Sectional: Class 4A, Sectional 7 (host) Sectional opponents: Kokomo, Lafayette Jeff, Logansport, McCutcheon

Returning stat leaders

Ringen

Dickensheets

Scoring: Taylor Ringen (7.2) Rebounding: Mera Dickensheets (5.5) Assists: Ringen (1.6) Steals: Ringen (1.5)

Last season Offensive average: 27.6 Defensive average: 47.0 Harrison lost 18 straight to begin last season, but won consecutive road games at Clinton Prairie and Zionsville to double its win total from the previous season. Several of last year’s key contributors return hoping to Rettig start with some momentum from last year’s positive end to the season. The Raiders open this season with a third different head coach in the last four seasons. Harrison improved its defensive average by better than four points per game from previous coach Clay Hanna’s ﬁrst year to last season. Rettig hopes to continue that trend in his ﬁrst year with the team.

VanArsdel

Linzey

ON GUARD For the second year in a row, juniors Taylor Ringen and Taylor VanArsdel will be expected to be scoring threats. But Cecy Linzey has lots of varsity experience and helps the Raiders have a strong backcourt. “We have a lot of speed on the team and that’s going to help us on fast breaks,” Ringen said. “We have a lot of girls that can run the point besides me. That will help me a lot with pressure.” Ringen averaged 7.2 points last year, but nobody else on Harrison averaged more than 3.5. VanArsdel and Ringen were the top two in 3-pointers made and 3-point percentage last season. The team is counting on them to shoot a high percentage from the outside and open up things for everyone else. “That’s going to be the biggest advantage for us is we can go inside and out,” coach Jake Rettig said. “We can shoot outside and if they come out on that, we’ll take advantage inside. If not, we’ll hit the outside shot.”

FRONT LINE Harrison has the most experience and size in its post players with Mera Dickensheets and Lily Darbishire, both 6footers. Both played in all 22 games last season and were the team’s first and fourth leading rebounders respectively. “It’s definitely nice to have some bigs down low,” Rettig said. “I think it’s going to help us out with our perimeter players getting more open shots because we are going to start off by going inside first.” Despite a lack of frontcourt players, the Raiders are confident the experience of Dar-

By John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Taylor Ringen is Harrison’s top returning scorer.

Roster No. Name Pos. Ht. 1 Taylor Ringen G 5-6 2 Cecy Linzey G 5-5 3 Abbie Newton G/F 5-7 4 Autumn Ringen G 5-9 5 Kaitlyn Carnahan F 5-6 10 Alex Spitznagle G 5-4 12 Taylor VanArsdel G 5-6 14 Katie Gillespie G 5-6 15 Claire Muller F 6-1 20 Maranda Rice G 5-4 21 Alyssa Withers G/F 5-6 22 Mera Dickensheets F 6-0 25 Lily Darbishire F 6-1

Yr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Fr. Fr. So. Jr. Sr. Fr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr.

bishire and Dickensheets will help offset that. “Our big girls down low make up for our lack of big girls,” Linzey said. “Rebounding, their size, it’s easier to ﬁnd them and get it down low.”

NEWCOMERS Alex Spitznagle has impressed the coaching staff in early workouts. Spitznagle saw action in seven games last season and is expected to have an expanded role as a point guard. Rettig said Autumn Ringen will be the ﬁrst freshman of a

talented class that sees time at the varsity level.

OUTLOOK With just eight wins in the last four years, expectations for the Raiders probably aren’t high outside of their locker room. That’s just ﬁne with them. “I think that’s going to be something to our advantage because I don’t think a lot of schools will expect much from us,” Rettig said. Instead of focusing on last year’s 18-game losing streak to start the season, the players look at the positives. Wins at Clinton Prairie and Zionsville came at the end of the year and the 74 points in those two games matched their best twogame total of the season. “It’s always nice to double your record, even if it is just two wins,” Linzey said. “Last year gave us a lot of optimism about this year. It really opened up some doors and we’re ﬁnally getting our groove.” — Sam King/ sking@jconline.com

Girls J&C Hoops Classic

Sunday, November 14, 2010 | jconline.com

TOURNAMENT HISTORY 2009

2007

At Harrison Monday, Nov. 16 Lafayette Jeff 65, Frankfort 50 McCutcheon 50, Benton Central 36 Tuesday, Nov. 17 Central Catholic 53, Twin Lakes 48 West Lafayette 48, Harrison 44 Thursday, Nov. 19 Twin Lakes 40, Harrison 30 Central Catholic 52, West Lafayette 46 Friday, Nov. 20 Benton Central 48, Frankfort 39 McCutcheon 52, Lafayette Jeff 26 Saturday, Nov. 21 Seventh place

At Harrison Monday, Nov. 12 Lafayette Jeff 61, Frankfort 53 (OT) Benton Central 49, Central Catholic 37 Tuesday, Nov. 13 Twin Lakes 50, West Lafayette 29 McCutcheon 71, Harrison 41 Thursday, Nov. 15 Frankfort 47, Central Catholic 31 West Lafayette 63, Harrison 39 Friday, Nov. 16 Benton Central 48, Lafayette Jeff 46 Twin Lakes 45, McCutcheon 44 Saturday, Nov. 17 Seventh place

Frankfort 45, Harrison 21 Fifth place

Central Catholic 33, Harrison 29 Fifth place

Benton Central 61, Twin Lakes 47 Third place

West Lafayette 63, Frankfort 38 Third place

Lafayette Jeff 69, West Lafayette 52 Championship

Lafayette Jeff 64, McCutcheon 48 Championship

McCutcheon 81, Central Catholic 36 All-tournament team MVP — Jessica Valley, McCutcheon Lakan Hasser-Smith, McCutcheon Olivia Walker, Central Catholic Morgan Hainje, Central Catholic Brandi Richardson, Lafayette Jeff Sportsmanship Award Jessica Valley, McCutcheon Donald and Pauline Trout Scholarship Award Sam Loefﬂer, Harrison

Twin Lakes 52, Benton Central 25 All-tournament team MVP — Betsy Adams, Twin Lakes Emileah Manahan, Twin Lakes Kayla Cripe, Benton Central Charae Richardson, Lafayette Jeff Mackenzie Staton, West Lafayette Sportsmanship Award Maggie Tull, McCutcheon Mental Attitude Scholarship Grace Walker, Central Catholic

2008 At McCutcheon Monday, Nov. 17 Benton Central 59, Frankfort 33 McCutcheon 55, Twin Lakes 51 Tuesday, Nov. 18 Lafayette Jeff 87, Harrison 44 West Lafayette 62, Central Catholic 58 Thursday, Nov. 20 Twin Lakes 33, Frankfort 17 Central Catholic 44, Harrison 36 Friday, Nov. 21 McCutcheon 63, Benton Central 62 (3 OT) Lafayette Jeff 99, West Lafayette 51 Saturday, Nov. 22 Seventh place Frankfort 35, Harrison 19 Fifth place Twin Lakes 45, Central Catholic 39 Third place Benton Central 74, West Lafayette 34 Championship Lafayette Jeff 86, McCutcheon 46 All-tournament team MVP — Charae Richardson, Lafayette Jeff Channie Williams, Lafayette Jeff Brandi Richardson, Lafayette Jeff Jessica Valley, McCutcheon Hilde Thayer, McCutcheon Sportsmanship Award Ashley Courtney, Harrison Donald and Pauline Trout Scholarship Award Heidi Brenan, West Lafayette

2006 At McCutcheon Monday, Nov. 13 McCutcheon 63, Twin Lakes 50 Central Catholic 51, Harrison 39 Tuesday, Nov. 14 Benton Central 62, Lafayette Jeff 48 West Lafayette 58, Frankfort 34 Thursday, Nov. 16 Lafayette Jeff 59, Frankfort 54 Twin Lakes 57, Harrison 41 Friday, Nov. 17 McCutcheon 64, Central Catholic 47 Benton Central 49, West Lafayette 44

Saturday, Nov. 18 Seventh place Harrison 38, Frankfort 37 Fifth place Twin Lakes 69, Lafayette Jeff 45 Third place West Lafayette 58, Central Catholic 47 Championship McCutcheon 70, Benton Central 63 All-tournament team MVP — Brooke Osborne, McCutcheon Skyler Gick, Benton Central Betsy Adams, Twin Lakes Taylor LaBaw, McCutcheon Michelle Oswalt, West Lafayette Sportsmanship Award Katie Pechin, Central Catholic

2005 At Harrison Monday, Nov. 14 Twin Lakes 57, Central Catholic 45 Benton Central 65, Harrison 46 Tuesday, Nov. 15 McCutcheon 67, Frankfort 53 West Lafayette 58, Lafayette Jeff 52 Thursday, Nov. 17 Harrison 51, Central Catholic 49 Lafayette Jeff 83, Frankfort 30 Friday, Nov. 18 Benton Central 59, Twin Lakes 57 McCutcheon 67, West Lafayette 55 Saturday, Nov. 19 Seventh place Frankfort 62, Central Catholic 37 Fifth place Lafayette Jeff 75, Harrison 47 Third place West Lafayette 64, Twin Lakes 59 Championship Benton Central 69, McCutcheon 62 All-tournament team MVP — Skyler Gick, Benton Central Chauncey Stacy, Benton Central Brooke Osborne, McCutcheon Betsy Adams, Twin Lakes Michelle Oswalt, West Lafayette

Girls J&C Hoops Classic

Sunday, November 14, 2010 | jconline.com

LAFAYETTE JEFF BRONCHOS Quick shots Coach: Geoff Salmon (157 in second season; 86-60 in seventh year overall) 2009-10 results: 15-7; lost to McCutcheon 47-42 in sectional opener Conference: Hoosier Crossroads Sectional: Class 4A, Sectional 7 Sectional opponents: Harrison (host), Kokomo, Logansport, McCutcheon

Returning stat leaders

McCall

Steiner

Scoring: Kayla McCall (7.5) Rebounding: Sheridan Steiner (6.2) Assists: Krissy Bruce (2.2) Steals: Bruce (2.7)

Last season Offensive average: 52.5 Defensive average: 46.0 The Bronchos won the program’s first Hoosier Crossroads Conference title last season with an 8-1 league record. After a slow start where Jeff went 3-3, the Bronchos and Salmon new coach Geoff Salmon clicked and won 12 of the next 14 games. Lafayette Jeff is one of four teams to have won the J&C Hoops Classic, cruising through the tournament in 2008, winning all three games by at least 40 points. Last season the Bronchos finished third after losing in the semifinals to eventual champion McCutcheon.

Bruce

Calloway

ON GUARD Kayla McCall and Krissy Bruce were members of the Bronchos’ regional championship soccer team and bring nonstop energy coach Geoff Salmon hopes can wear down opposing defenses. “We’re deﬁnitely going to be a quick pace team,” McCall said. “That’s what we’re going to have to do is outrun and beat people down the court.” When Breanna Calloway transferred last year, it opened the door for Lindsay Fox to get more playing time. Salmon hopes by throwing Fox “into the ﬁre” last season, she’ll show the positives of playing a full season with the varsity. McCall’s role expands after being a starter alongside scoring threats Brandi Richardson, Channie Williams and Charae Richardson during the past two seasons. “She’s going to be somebody I can lean on who’s been through all the battles and faced all the good players in this conference for four years,” Salmon said.

FRONT LINE Though undersized in the post, Sheridan Steiner is experienced at the varsity level and has improved the ﬁnesse of her game since last year, Salmon said. On a guard-heavy team, Steiner knows the importance of Calloway returning after a year away from the program. “She is a really good rebounder,” said Steiner, the team’s leading rebounder last season. “We deﬁnitely need to improve on our rebounding.”

NEWCOMERS Calloway isn’t really a newcomer, but she returns for her senior season after playing last year at Peru.

By Jordan Kartholl/Journal & Courier

Kayla McCall will be Jeff’s floor leader this season.

Roster No. Name 3 Kelsey Simms 4 Krissy Bruce 11 Kaylee Simms 12 Jenni Graham 20 Kayla McCall 22 Lindsay Fox 24 Jasmine Williams 34 Carlie Hinkle 40 Erin West 42 Sheridan Steiner 44 Breanna Calloway 52 Shaquia Stevenson

Pos. Ht. Yr. G 5-5 Jr. G 5-4 Jr. G 5-5 Fr. G 5-7 Jr. G 5-8 Sr. G 5-10 Jr. G 5-8 Sr. G/F 6-1 Fr. G 5-7 So. F 5-9 Jr. G 5-7 Sr. F 5-10 Sr.

Two years ago, Calloway was a key part of Jeff’s sectional championship team. Calloway brings an insideoutside presence that should pose matchup problems for opposing defenses and also will help Steiner on the glass. “At Peru, they had much bigger girls so I wasn’t a real big rebounder, but I miss that,” Calloway said. “It’s nice to come back and know they need me for that reason. Obviously the three (3-point shooting) is something I can do too. It’s nice to know I am needed in the areas I feel I can excel

in.” Erin West is similar to Calloway, coach Geoff Salmon said, and will factor into the rotation. Freshman Carlie Hinkle offers a post presence at 6-foot1, and classmate Kaylee Simms brings athleticism to an already athletic team.

OUTLOOK While no one is going to replace Brandi Richardson, who was the point guard the last four years, collectively a group of players hope to help overcome the loss of two athletic guards from last year’s team. Several players return from a team that ﬁnally hit its stride after a slow start last year. With Calloway returning, the pieces are in place for Jeff to continue success from the last two seasons, when the Bronchos won a sectional title (2009) and a Hoosier Crossroads Conference title (2010). — Sam King/ sking@jconline.com

Girls J&C Hoops Classic

Sunday, November 14, 2010 | jconline.com

McCUTCHEON MAVERICKS Quick shots

ON GUARD

Coach: Jeff Knoy (66-50 in sixth season) 2009-10 results: 18-7, lost to Fort Wayne Snider 51-50 in regional semiﬁnals Conference: Hoosier Crossroads Sectional: Class 4A, Sectional 7 Sectional opponents: Harrison (host), Kokomo, Lafayette Jeff, Logansport

Returning stat leaders

Valley

Hasser-Smith

Scoring: Jessica Valley (16.1) Rebounding: Valley (4.8) Assists: Lakan HasserSmith (5.2) Steals: Valley (4.2)

Last season Offensive average: 54.8 Defensive average: 43.7 The Mavericks won the program’s 12th sectional title last season and saw their season end on a late basket in the regional semiﬁnal that resulted in a one-point loss. Last season, Jessica Valley earned J&C Hoops Classic MVP honors and Knoy Lakan Hasser-Smith was named to the all-tournament team as the Mavericks defeated Benton Central, Lafayette Jeff and Central Catholic to win the tournament. McCutcheon is the only girls team to win the tournament more than once, also winning in 2006. The Mavs have played in the championship game four of the ﬁve years of this tournament.

Everyone on the team can conceivably play guard. Don’t be surprised to see the Mavericks run a five-guard lineup and push the tempo. “We’ll definitely have an uptempo offense base,” said Jessica Valley, who is committed to Indiana State. “We look to just press and go after people.” Valley and Lakan HasserSmith have been starters since their first day of high school basketball practice. They give the team two experienced ball handlers and are coming off a season where they averaged at least 15 points per game. “We have a lot of depth at our guard position,” coach Jeff Knoy said. “Obviously it starts with Jess and Lakan. I think both will play Division I basketball. They work well together and the nice thing is they are interchangeable. One can play point and the other can play two (shooting guard) and they can switch back and forth.” Amanda Neill, Beth Hainje and Chasity Horn also factor into the guard rotation.

FRONT LINE Neill, Hainje and Horn are basically guard/forwards. They, along with Jessica Hollinger, are guards who will be asked to defend post players because of their athleticism. Jannai Smith and Ashlynn Sexton also are hybrid players who will mix it up in the paint. Knoy called Sexton the team’s most im- Sexton proved player. “Beth and Chas we think can also play inside. They are athletic enough,” Knoy said. “The nice thing about our team is we don’t have any real tall kids. We’re all about 5-9 or 5-10 across the board. It’s kind of a matchup problem. “It will be challenging without a real big kid, but our other kids are ready to step up and play.”

By Brent Drinkut/Journal & Courier

Jessica Valley averaged 15.8 points and 4.8 rebounds last year.

Roster No. Name Pos. Ht. Yr. 3 Amanda Neill G 5-9 Jr. 4 Lakan Hasser-Smith G 5-9 Jr. 5 Chasity Horn G 5-10 Jr. 10 Tori Blumling G 5-3 So. 12 Ashlynn Sexton F 5-11 Jr. 14 Jessica Hollinger F 5-11 Jr. 20 Bailey Smith G 5-5 So. 22 Jessica Valley G 5-10 Sr. 24 Bethany Hainje F 5-9 Sr. 30 Lacy Deitrick G 5-5 So. 40 Jannai Smith C 5-7 Sr. 44 Lizzy Frazee C 5-11 Jr.

NEWCOMERS Horn has been the top junior varsity player for the Mavericks the last two seasons. “She can jump out of the gym,” Knoy said. Lizzy Frazee will provide depth in the post.

OUTLOOK A quick, guard-oriented lineup will have its advantages, but with just eight or nine players seeing a majority of the minutes, health could be an issue. “Obviously we have to stay healthy,” Knoy said.

But if the Mavericks can remain injury free, hopes are high for the defending sectional and J&C Hoops Classic champions. “We can run the ball a lot and we have a lot of speed,” Hasser-Smith said. “Everyone on the team is fast and everyone on the team can shoot behind the arc. I think that’s an advantage.” The Mavericks’ loss in the ﬁnal seconds to Fort Wayne Snider at last year’s regional still stings. McCutcheon played most of the fourth quarter without Valley, who fouled out. Snider went on to win the regional. McCutcheon believed it was the best team at the regional last season and intends to prove it is capable of winning the regional this year. “I think that’s why we have plans to go to the Final Four,” Valley said. “We have that revenge. We were so good last year and even better this year.” — Sam King/ sking@jconline.com

Girls J&C Hoops Classic

Sunday, November 14, 2010 | jconline.com

TWIN LAKES INDIANS have that got to get the ball mentality.” Matteson will also play in the post, along with Renae Cotner and Heather Holverson, who both were starters at times last season. Cotner and Tirpak are both juniors who have been on the varsity since they were freshmen.

Quick shots Coach: Brad Bowsman (117-46 in eighth season) 2009-10 results: 12-10, lost to Frankfort 52-43 in sectional opener Conference: Hoosier Sectional: Class 3A, Sectional 20 Sectional opponents: Benton Central, Frankfort, Northwestern, West Lafayette, Western (host)

Returning stat leaders

Matteson

Tirpak

Scoring: Audrey Matteson (11.5) Rebounding: Coryn Tirpak (5.1) Assists: Matteson (3.0) Steals: Matteson (2.5)

Last season Offensive average: 48.1 Defensive average: 45.5 The Indians won 12 games last year and compiled a winning record, but it was a down year compared to the three years prior where Twin Lakes won at least 18 games each season. It lost the school’s all-time rebounding leader, Emileah Manahan, Bowsman from the year before and the program’s career scoring leader in Betsy Adams the year before that. The good news is most of the returning players were on the varsity last season and that experience will hopefully pay off. Despite posting its lowest scoring average in more than a decade last season, Twin Lakes outscored its opposition for the seventh year in a row.

McAchren

Gutwein

ON GUARD Last year was basically trial and error for Twin Lakes at guard. Chloe McAchren and Morgan Gutwein were inserted into the varsity rotation as freshmen. They combined to average more than six points per game, but the team turned to Audrey Matteson to bring the ball up the ﬂoor. Matteson, a senior who has committed to the University of Detroit, took it upon herself to prepare the two sophomores with offseason workouts. “I think what they gained last year is going to pay off for this year,” coach Brad Bowsman said. The Indians hope Matteson can provide matchup problems with her size and her ball-handling ability as she has in the past. Last season she led the team in points, assists, steals, 3-pointers, free throws and was third in rebounds. “I can go down low because I am that tall. We are going to use size to our advantage,” Matteson said. “I also like being able to dribble the ball. Last year I had to play point guard, which taught me a lot of ball skills. “I like the element of surprise, being able to be that versatile player. They never know what they are going to get.” Senior Whitley Whitaker started 18 games last season. In the past, Whitaker has played in the post, but shifted to guard last season after the loss of Laura Ward to graduation. In her only year Whitaker as a primarily varsity player, Whitaker was second on the team in steals and assists.

NEWCOMERS While Bowsman isn’t expecting immediate contributions, Morgan Michalski will play back and forth between JV and varsity. Freshman Courtney Bowsman also will slowly be brought along. Both Bowsman and Michalski will provide a deep bench with ball handlers. Journal & Courier file photo

Audrey Matteson.

Roster No. Name Pos. 10 Chloe McAchren G 11 Courtney Bowsman G 12 Renae Cotner F 13 Heather Holverson F 21 Audrey Matteson G/F 22 Whitley Whitaker G 23 Morgan Gutwein G/F 24 Coryn Tirpak F 25 Morgan Michalski G

Ht. 5-8 5-5 5-8 5-9 5-9 5-6 5-8 5-9 5-6

Yr. So. Fr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Jr. So.

FRONT LINE This is one area that pleases Bowsman. Despite the loss of starting center Tabby Bonnell, the Indians return a lot of size, including last year’s secondleading rebounder Coryn Tirpak. “I think our team is mainly made of the stronger girls,” Tirpak said. “Even though not a lot of us are very tall, we’re very aggressive and we all

OUTLOOK The Indians rotated as many as 11 players during games last season in preparation for this year. “I think we started building last year to get girls prepared for this upcoming year,” Bowsman said. “I think the key thing is we have eight returning letterwinners and that we have a good core group and we’re going to add a few other girls with it.” The Indians also have a talented 14-player freshman class, with some pressuring the upperclassmen to produce. Unlike last season, where only four players had started a varsity game entering the year, Twin Lakes returns seven players who started at least ﬁve games last season. Gutwein came off the bench in all 22 contests as a freshman. — Sam King/ sking@jconline.com

Girls J&C Hoops Classic

Sunday, November 14, 2010 | jconline.com

WEST LAFAYETTE RED DEVILS Quick shots Coach: Jane Schott (31-35 in fourth season; 99-123 in 11th year overall) 2009-10 results: 11-12; lost to Benton Central 59-42 in sectional semiﬁnals Conference: Hoosier Sectional: Class 3A, Sectional 20 Sectional opponents: Benton Central, Frankfort, Northwestern, Twin Lakes, Western (host)

Returning stat leaders

Pekny

Jones

Scoring: Carissa Pekny (7.9) Rebounding: Pekny (7.9) Assists: Kayla Jones (1.7) Steals: Pekny (2.1)

Last season Offensive average: 50.0 Defensive average: 50.1 After starting last season 2-7, something clicked with the Red Devils and they went 9-5 the rest of the way. Three of those five losses came to Class 4A teams Hamilton Southeastern, Lafayette Jeff and McCutcheon. Another Schott came to sectional champion Benton Central in the state tournament. West Lafayette also won a sectional contest for the first time under Schott with an overtime victory against Northwestern. The Red Devils outscored opponents by 42 combined points during their final 14 games.

Breed

McLuckey

ON GUARD Four of the ﬁve players who graduated from last year’s team were guards. Sophomore Kayla Jones is the only returning guard who saw signiﬁcant varsity playing time last season. “Last year it was nice to have a lot of people to look up to and they could help me out in the gym,” Jones said. “Now it’s going to help me this year. I’ve had that year of being able to watch other people. “We only have a couple people with varsity experience so I feel like I have more responsibility.” That doesn’t mean the Red Devils aren’t talented at guard, however. Freshman Shelby Mann and Katie Bittner bring a scorer’s mentality, something coach Jane Schott’s guards have needed in past years. Grace Palmieri and Grace Van Sickel provide outside shooting threats. “We’ve got some offensive weapons that we haven’t had in the past,” Schott said. “We’ve had some talent and athleticism at the guard, we’ve had players, but we haven’t had basketball skilled players and I think that’s what we’ve replaced them with.”

FRONT LINE Carissa Pekny and Claire Breed aren’t going to tower over anyone in the post. They will provide matchup problems with their aggressiveness and quickness. Pekny also is a backup guard and last season scored nearly eight points per game at the team’s power forward position. “We’re going to give the ball inside to those kids because they are unique post players,” Schott said. “They can score

By Brent Drinkut/Journal & Courier

Carissa Pekny can play inside or on the perimeter.

Roster No. Name Pos. Ht. Yr. 4 Shelby Mann G 5-6 Fr. 10 Grace Van Sickel F 5-5 So. 14 Katie Bittner G 5-5 So. 15 Claire Breed F 5-9 Sr. 20 Anna Searle F 5-10 So. 21 Morgan McLuckey F 5-9 Sr. 22 Becca Gwin F 5-4 Jr. 23 Grace Palmieri G 5-6 So. 24 Kayla Jones G 5-5 So. 32 Carissa Pekny G 5-7 Jr.

on players that maybe aren’t as mobile because they are physical and Carissa can put the ball on the ﬂoor. She is difﬁcult to guard inside and out.” Despite a lack of size, Pekny welcomes the challenge of competing against bigger players underneath. “We’re short, but hopefully if we can play our game, a fast game, we won’t have to rely on tall people,” Pekny said. “We’ll just have to work a little bit harder. Maybe it’s a little more motivation for us.”

NEWCOMERS There’s several players who haven’t experienced the faster pace of varsity basketball just

yet. When they do grasp it, Schott thinks the Red Devils will be a dangerous team. Senior Morgan McLuckey didn’t play as a freshman or sophomore and played JV as a junior. She’ll be called on to help out in the post as will Anna Searle.

OUTLOOK With so much young talent, it may take time to develop a winning formula. But Schott said there are some players on her team who don’t want to wait until next year to see what this group is capable of doing. “Even though we are very young, I told my girls we aren’t going to use this as an excuse and say we’re a year away,” Schott said. “Morgan McLuckey doesn’t want us to be a year away. Claire Breed is another senior. She doesn’t want us to be a year away. We are attacking this season as though our kids are invested.” — Sam King/ sking@jconline.com

Girls J&C Hoops Classic

Sunday, November 14, 2010 | jconline.com

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