J&C Hoops Classic

Sunday, November 15, 2009

5 nights 8 teams 12 games 1 champion

J&C Hoops

Classic

Journal & Courier • jconline.com

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Girls J&C Hoops Classic

Sunday, November 15, 2009 | jconline.com

Tournament schedule

On the cover

At Harrison Monday Frankfort vs. Lafayette Jeff, 6 p.m.

McCutcheon vs. Benton Central, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday Twin Lakes vs. Central Catholic, 6 p.m.

West Lafayette vs. Harrison, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday Monday’s losers, 6 p.m.

Tuesday’s losers, 7:30 p.m.

Friday Monday’s winners, 6 p.m.

Tuesday’s winners, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday Seventh-place game, 4 p.m.

Fifth-place game, 4 p.m.

Third-place game, 6 p.m.

Championship, 8 p.m.

Note: The seventh-place game will be played in the auxiliary gym.

Front row: Central Catholic’s Olivia Walker, Benton Central’s Hillary Moore and Lafayette Jeff’s Brandi Richardson.

Second row: Twin Lakes’ Audrey Matteson, Frankfort’s Brook Howe and West Lafayette’s Mackenzie Staton.

Back row: McCutcheon’s Breanna Horn and Harrison’s Sam Loeffler.

Special thanks to Chris and Dawn Schakel of Millennium Farms near Oxford.

— Photo by Michael Heinz/mheinz@jconline.com

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 Twin Lakes ............................... 10 West Lafayette .........................11

to all the sponsors, schools & coaches of the 2009 J&C Hoops Classic.

Major sponsors: O R T H O PA E D I C C E N T E R

Donald & Pauline Trout Scholarships presented by Twin City Dodge Chrysler Tournament sponsors: The Athlete Custom Tee’s • Lafayette Life Insurance • Pyramid Signs • Prairie Farms • Tipmont REMC Ronnie J. Alting • The Fraternal Order of Eagles, Lafayette Aerie #347 • Miller-Roscka Funeral Home, Inc. A special thanks: High school athletic directors and coaches • Central Catholic: Tim Bordenet Coach: Pat Tharp • Harrison: Jerry Galema Coach: Clay Hanna • Lafayette Jefferson: Mark Preston Coach: Geoff Salmon • McCutcheon: Tim Slauter Coach: Jeff Knoy

• West Lafayette: Brock Touloukian Coach: Jane Schott • Benton Central: Jim Puckett Coach: Pat Cole • Frankfort: Ed Niehaus Coach: Ed Niehaus • Twin Lakes: Kent Adams Coach: Brad Bowsman

Girls J&C Hoops Classic

Sunday, November 15, 2009 | jconline.com

BENTON CENTRAL BISON Quick shots Coach: Pat Cole (38-9 in third season) 2008-09 results: 24-2, lost to Fort Wayne Elmhurst 64-56 in semistate Conference: Hoosier Sectional: Class 3A, Sectional 20 Sectional opponents: Frankfort, Northwestern, Twin Lakes, West Lafayette and Western (host)

Returning stat leaders Scoring: Hillary Moore (10.4) Rebounding: Moore (9.4) Assists: Marissa Crowe (0.8) Steals: Moore (1.0)

Roster No. 4 10 12 14 20 22 23 24 30 32 40 44

Name Marissa Crowe Allyson LaGrange Caitlyn Tolen Cassidy Deno Courtney Lester Abbi Crane Ayren Cobb Kinsey Deno Abby Rettig Dani Rettig Hillary Moore Chelsey Cripe

Pos. Ht. Yr. G 5-5 Sr. F 5-7 Sr. G 5-9 Fr. F 5-10 Fr. F 5-10 Fr. G 5-3 Jr. G/F 5-6 So. F/C 5-9 So. C 5-7 Jr. F 5-6 So. C 5-10 Jr. F 5-9 Sr.

Last season Offensive average: 67.6 Defensive average: 44.6 The Bison added to their storied program history last season with a semistate trip, a No. 1 ranking in Class 3A and an Indiana All-Star representative.

After a triple-overtime loss in the J&C Hoops Classic to McCutcheon, BC won 21 consecutive games and narrowly lost to eventual state champion Fort Wayne Elmhurst in the semistate.

Nine seniors are gone from that team that ended the regular season ranked No. 1 in the state.

Crowe

Tolen

ON GUARD Marissa Crowe saw limited time for the Bison last season and will have an increased role.

Crowe will play the twoguard, while freshman Caitlyn Tolen will start at point.

“Marissa gives us a nice spot-up shooter,” BC coach Pat Cole said. “Having Tolen come in to run the point, it is going to put Marissa in a position where she has a lot of spot up opportunities.”

Sophomore Ayren Cobb and senior Allyson LaGrange played limited varsity minutes last year as well and will now be in the mix. Sophomore Dani Rettig and freshman Cassidy Deno also will interchange with the guards.

“Ayren has that extra gear that you can’t coach,” Cole said. “Whenever we need to ratchet it up a notch, she is the person who is going to be able to apply Cobb that pressure.

Her athletic talent is something we can’t coach, but we relish having.”

FRONT LINE Hillary Moore came on strong at the end of last season, averaging 14 rebounds over the last 10 games. In a regional semifinal against Gary Roosevelt, she had 25 points and 16 rebounds.

“The way Hillary rebounds is really simply having savvy and a knack for the ball,” Cole said. “She reads the ball well off the rim. You don’t have games where you get 20-plus boards by just getting lucky.”

Moore returns as the only player who saw significant

By Brent Drinkut/Journal & Courier

Hillary Moore.

time from last year’s 24-2 team. She’ll be joined in the post by Chelsey Cripe.

“Our post play is going to be strong,” Cole said. “I think we can be a really good defensive team. We have a little more length than we have this year.”

LaGrange and Deno also will factor in at forward.

KEY NEWCOMERS Tolen will start at point guard from day one, and Deno will play as a freshman as well.

Rettig was a key player on last year’s 16-4 junior varsity team.

OUTLOOK It’s tough to gauge the Bison based on the number of players who graduated from last year’s team.

Moore’s return is a positive, but most of the other players have never played at the varsity level.

However, many of these players were sitting behind one of the state’s best teams last season.

— Sam King/ sking@jconline.com

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Girls J&C Hoops Classic

Sunday, November 15, 2009 | jconline.com

CENTRAL CATHOLIC KNIGHTS Quick shots Coach: Pat Tharp (first season) 2008-09 results: 16-9, lost to Turkey Run 55-49 in regional semifinal Conference: Hoosier Heartland Sectional: Class A, Sectional 53 (host) Sectional opponents: Clinton Prairie, Frontier, Rossville and Tri-Central

Returning stat leaders Scoring: Olivia Walker (7.5) Rebounding: Molly King (3.7) Assists: Walker (2.3) Steals: Walker (1.3)

Roster No. 3 4 10 12 14 20 22 24 30 32 34

Name Pos. Ht. Yr. Lauren Hruskovich G 5-9 So. Adrienne Cramer G 5-4 So. Ashley Adams G 5-7 Jr. Hannah Aschenberg F 5-5 So. Belle Dieterle G 5-4 Fr. Sami Gruse F 5-11 Jr. Morgan Hainje F 5-8 So. Olivia Walker G 5-10 Jr. Molly King C 6-0 Jr. Alex Haan F 5-7 So. Alanna Roswarski G 5-8 Fr.

Last season Offensive average: 49.4 Defensive average: 39.9 The Knights overcame a 1-4 start with a six-game winning streak and, including the sectional, entered the regional tournament winners of five straight.

The Knights lost an overtime heartbreaker to Turkey Run in the regional.

It was the fourth sectional title in a row for Central Catholic, but former Knights coach Geoff Salmon is now at Lafayette Jeff and three starting senior guards, and seven seniors overall, from that team have graduated.

ON GUARD Wing Olivia Walker returns as the team’s leading scorer and is one of four juniors who will be called upon to lead.

Point guard Ashley Adams also is a returning junior who will join Walker in the backcourt. Adams was a reserve on last year’s sectional championship team.

“All four ( juniors) this year are going to step it up and be leaders because there are no seniors above us,” Walker said.

“We’re two-year seniors and not very many people have the chance to do that.”

Freshman Alanna Roswarski is expected to start at wing opposite Walker with fellow freshmen Adrienne Cramer and Belle Dieterle also seeing guard time.

FRONT LINE Juniors Molly King and Sami Gruse return down low.

King averaged 1.4 blocks last season and was second on the team in rebounds. She accounted for 67 percent of the team’s blocks.

“She has some real natural athletic ability. She is a quick jumper, and she can also run the court very well,” coach Pat Tharp said. “I call Molly and Sami our twin towers. They work well with each other.”

Lauren Hruskovich also will rotate in down low.

Olivia Walker takes part in a drill during practice.

KEY NEWCOMERS

Adams

Sophomore Morgan Hainje has been impressive during early practices, Tharp said.

Hannah Aschenberg also will see varsity time on a team that should return everyone next season.

Cramer and Dieterle can both run the point.

“We are all getting acclimated to each other still,” Tharp said. “Next year will even be better just having a year of our system will be helpful.

“I think we have a good group of juniors and a great group of sophomores and freshmen.”

OUTLOOK Tharp takes over a team

By Jamie Lynn Chevillet/Journal & Courier

King

that has won four straight sectional titles, averaging better than 15 wins a season during that stretch.

Despite a makeover this year, expectations are still high for the Knights.

“I am confident that our team will do as good as we did last year,” Adams said. “With new players coming in, I think they’ll take their role and be a good asset to our team.”

— Sam King/ sking@jconline.com

Girls J&C Hoops Classic

Sunday, November 15, 2009 | jconline.com

5

FRANKFORT HOT DOGS Quick shots

ON GUARD

Coach: Ed Niehaus (269213 in 24th season) 2008-09 results: 12-9, lost to Twin Lakes 44-36 in sectional opener Conference: Sagamore Sectional: Class 3A, Sectional 20 Sectional opponents: Benton Central Northwestern, Twin Lakes, West Lafayette and Western (host)

Returning stat leaders Scoring: Brook Howe (13.7) Rebounding: Alex Thompson (5.5) Assists: Thompson (2.7) Steals: Thompson (2.9)

Roster No. 12 15 21 22 23 24 25 31 33 50

Name Alex Thompson Graham Warwick Blair Howe Sara Ross Morgan Miller Brook Howe Bizzy Scott Alex Taylor Whitney Leach Tisha Foust

Pos. G G G G G G/F G G F G/F

Ht. 5-9 5-3 5-5 5-2 5-5 5-7 5-5 5-5 5-11 5-7

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

Last season Offensive average: 39.4 Defensive average: 39.0 The Hot Dogs recovered from an 0-3 start, including two losses in the J&C Hoops Classic, to win six of their final nine games. But offense was a problem all season for Frankfort, which was held to 35 or fewer points six times and never scored more than 58 in a game.

Thompson was a secondteam J&C All-Area selection.

The Hot Dogs are loaded with talent and experience.

Niehaus calls junior point guard Alex Thompson “one of the top guards in the area.”

Thompson was Frankfort’s second-leading scorer (12.3) last season.

“She’s a lot more mature and a very smart player,” Niehaus said.

Senior Brook Howe gives Frankfort one of the area’s top backcourt combinations. Niehaus said Howe is often overlooked by teams trying to stop Thompson.

“She is hard to defend,” Niehaus said. “She plays tough defense and can rebound.”

The backcourt gets a boost from the return of Howe’s sister, Blair, who sat out last season.

“She decided she missed it,” Niehaus said of Blair Howe, a significant contributor as a sophomore. “She’s done everything I’ve asked of her to get back in basketball shape. She gives us a third dependable scorer. She’s an excellent defensive player and plays hard.”

Senior Graham Warwick may not have the height of Thompson and the Howes, but she plays big on defense.

“If I need someone to guard a scorer on the other team, she’s it,” Niehaus said. “She can score off her defense and makes her teammates look better.”

Sophomore Alex Taylor could work her way into playing time, too, thanks to a good mid-range jump shot.

FRONT LINE The Hot Dogs’ size begins and ends with 5-foot-11 junior Whitney Leach, who like Thompson was a key player on Frankfort’s sectional championship volleyball team.

“I see exciting things for her,” Niehaus said. “She looks like a wild stallion on the court.

She can jump, she’s got a quick first step and plays hard.”

KEY NEWCOMERS In addition to Taylor, Niehaus looks for contributions

By Brent Drinkut/Journal & Courier

Brook Howe runs a drill during practice.

Thompson

Bl. Howe

from junior guards Bizzy Scott and Morgan Miller, sophomore guard Sara Ross and sophomore forward Tisha Foust.

Scott and Miller were also members of the volleyball team.

OUTLOOK With less than two weeks of practice with a full roster thanks to the volleyball team’s success, Niehaus feels fortunate to have a veteran team.

“We have experienced players back who know what we are working on,” he said.

“For the new plays, they’re smart and are picking them up quickly.”

Warwick

Niehaus

The guard-heavy Hot Dogs are well aware of potential problems defending the post but believe they can cause defenses problems as well.

“We have to spread the floor offensively,” Niehaus said. “We know we will face some zone.

If teams try to guard Alex and Brook with big players, we’ll have an advantage.”

— Ken Thompson/ kthompson@jconline.com

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Girls J&C Hoops Classic

Sunday, November 15, 2009 | jconline.com

HARRISON RAIDERS Quick shots Coach: Clay Hanna (1-21 in second season, 16-69 in fifth year overall) 2008-09 results: 1-21, lost to Lafayette Jeff 58-25 in sectional opener Conference: Hoosier Crossroads Sectional: Class 4A, Sectional 7 (host) Sectional opponents: Kokomo, Lafayette Jeff, Logansport and McCutcheon

Returning stat leaders Scoring: Megan Huston (2.5) Rebounding: Huston (2.7) Assists: Huston (1.0) Steals: Huston (0.5)

Roster No. 1 2 4 5 11 12 14 15 20 21 22 25

Name Taylor Ringen Cecy Linzey Bekah Watson Megan Huston Sam Loeffler Taylor VanArsdel Naomi Wissman Rachel Misner Abbie Newton Katie Gillespie Mera Dickensheets Lily Darbishire

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

Last season Offensive average: 29.1 Defensive average: 51.1 Harrison began 2008-09 with 15 straight losses before breaking into the win column against Clinton Prairie.

But there were positives.

The Raiders held Lafayette Jeff to its second-lowest point total of the season in the first round of sectionals and played even with Class 3A No. 1 Benton Central in their final home game.

Harrison held 10 opponents under 45 points a season ago but never scored more than 47 in a contest.

Ringen

VanArsdel

Huston

ON GUARD Sophomores Taylor Ringen and Taylor VanArsdel bring tons of basketball knowledge to the Raider backcourt.

In the past, Harrison has depended on athleticism. Both have plenty of that, but they also are year-round players.

“Taylor Ringen can handle it and pass it,” coach Clay Hanna said. “Taylor VanArsdel is a good shooter and we will use that strength.”

Cecy Linzey and Naomi Wissman split time as reserve guards last season.

FRONT LINE Megan Huston, a returning starter, is the only returnee who logged a lot of minutes last season. Senior Samantha Loeffler will see increased playing time this season, while Lily Darbishire is expected to fill the middle.

“Lily Darbishire ended up starting in the sectional for us last year,” Hanna said. “She had a good game with eight rebounds in limited minutes.

She’ll play a major role for us this year in the middle.”

Mera Dickensheets comes up from a talented junior varsity team and adds another big body into the Harrison rotation. Wissman also can play forward.

KEY NEWCOMERS Most varsity players will be considered newcomers. The five players who saw the most playing time last season are no longer with the team. Senior Natalie Newton elected not to come out for basketball after sustaining an injury during soccer season.

“All of our major scorers are gone,” Hanna said. “At the same time, I feel like we have some basketball talent that

By John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Lily Darbishire.

we are bringing up. It is just a matter of getting them that game experience.”

OUTLOOK The Raiders have won just

Hanna

six games over the last three seasons and haven’t had a winning season since 2003-04.

Hanna isn’t promising to end that string this season, but he can see the program evolving into a winner.

“We are getting girls who are playing basketball as their No. 1 sport and that is going to show,” he said. “We’ve had girls who put in a lot of time and that is starting to show, too.”

— Sam King/ sking@jconline.com

Girls J&C Hoops Classic

Sunday, November 15, 2009 | jconline.com

TOURNAMENT HISTORY 2008 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

2007 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 Central Catholic 33, Harrison 29 Fifth place West Lafayette 63, Frankfort 38 Third place Lafayette Jeff 64, McCutcheon 48 Championship 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

2006 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

2005 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

G et

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

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Girls J&C Hoops Classic

Sunday, November 15, 2009 | jconline.com

LAFAYETTE JEFF BRONCHOS Coach: Geoff Salmon (first season, 71-53 in sixth year overall) 2008-09 results: 19-5, lost to Pendleton Heights 60-59 in regional semifinal Conference: Hoosier Crossroads Sectional: Class 4A, Sectional 7 Sectional opponents: Harrison (host), Kokomo, Logansport and McCutcheon

Returning stat leaders Scoring: Brandi Richardson (19.9) Rebounding: Channie Williams (5.6) Assists: Richardson (7.5) Steals: Richardson (4.1)

Roster No. 3 4 11 12 14 20 22 24 32 34 42 44

Name Pos. Ht. Yr. Brandi Richardson G 5-3 Sr. Krissy Bruce G 5-2 So. Kelsey Simms G 5-5 So. Channie Williams G 5-6 Sr. Taylor Marks F 6-1 Jr. Kayla McCall G 5-6 Jr. Lindsey Fox G 5-10 So. Jazmine Williams G 5-8 Jr. Sierra Funk G 5-8 Jr. Shaniel Starks F 6-0 Jr. Sheridan Steiner F 5-10 So. Breanna Calloway G 5-4 Jr.

Last season Offensive average: 78.4 Defensive average: 58.3 The Bronchos won the program’s first sectional title since 1995 last season and fell to eventual regional champion Pendleton Heights on a last-second shot.

The Bronchos finished 195, one of those losses coming on a forfeit after winning by 19 points. The other four losses were by a combined 35 points.

Lafayette Jeff’s 78.4 points per game last season ranked second in the state behind Class 4A state runner-up South Bend Washington.

ON GUARD Guard play is Lafayette Jeff’s strong suit.

Senior Brandi Richardson is a game changer and was named to the J&C Hoops Classic all-tournament team along with classmate Channie Williams last season.

Kayla McCall and Krissy Bruce return after seeing a lot of minutes for last season’s sectional championship team.

“I think we are going to be hard to match up with at the guard position,” coach Geoff Salmon said.

“When you have somebody like Brandi you know you can make some mistakes and you are going to recover and make them up later. It makes it a lot easier on everyone out there.

They aren’t afraid to take a gamble because they know they can make it up.”

Williams is an athletic wing who scored 26 points in last year’s J&C Hoops title game victory. She’s recovering from a knee injury that kept her out of a week of practice, but upon returning to practice, she made an immediate impact.

Salmon also sees improved shooting from Bruce, who made 52 percent of her shots as a freshman, but just 20 percent from 3-point range.

“Krissy has more confidence and I think that’s what she needed,” McCall said. “We’re going to expect a lot more out of her this year.”

FRONT LINE Sheridan Steiner saw some varsity time last season. This year, her role will increase.

“We’re going to have to count on her big time,” Salmon said. “Taylor Marks, too. She is 6-1, a very athletic kid and is going to help us a ton.”

Breanna Calloway, who averaged 7 points per game last season, and Shaniel Starks will factor into the rotation.

KEY NEWCOMERS Marks saw court time in 18 games last season, but her role was limited. Lindsey Fox also saw time as a role player during her freshman year.

By Brent Drinkut/Journal & Courier

Senior guard Brandi Richardson brings the ball up court while running a drill during practice.

OUTLOOK

Williams

Salmon

Four players with no varsity experience appear on the roster this season in juniors Jazmine Williams, Sierra Funk, Starks and sophomore Kelsey Simms.

The Bronchos have a new coach but will still implement a fast-paced style.

Jeff’s top two rebounders graduated, so someone will have to fill in, but the Bronchos have plenty of height.

Salmon thinks once the team adjusts to a new defensive style, the Bronchos will be difficult to outscore.

— Sam King/ sking@jconline.com

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Girls J&C Hoops Classic

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9

McCUTCHEON MAVERICKS Quick shots

ON GUARD

Coach: Jeff Knoy (48-43 in fifth season) 2008-09 results: 12-11, lost to Lafayette Jeff 75-54 in sectional championship Conference: Hoosier Crossroads Sectional: Class 4A, Sectional 7 Sectional opponents: Harrison (host), Kokomo, Lafayette Jeff and Logansport

Returning stat leaders Scoring: Jessica Valley (11.2) Rebounding: Bethany Hainje (4.3) Assists: Valley (2.9) Steals: Valley (2.2)

Roster No. 3 4 5 12 14 20 22 24 40 42

Name Pos. Amanda Neill G Lakan Hasser-Smith G Chasity Horn G Ashlynn Sexton F Jessica Hollinger F Jaclyn Gochenour G Jessica Valley G Bethany Hainje F Jannai Smith F Breanna Horn C

Ht. 5-9 5-8 5-9 5-11 5-11 5-7 5-9 5-9 5-7 6-0

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

Last season Offensive average: 50.0 Defensive average: 52.7 Leading scorer Hilde Thayer (11.3 points) developed a cyst in her back during Christmas break and sat out the rest of the season.

While other players were asked to step up and fill that void, Knoy said it may pay benefits this season.

Amanda Neill played a lot after Thayer was sidelined, and Ashlynn Sexton also got additional time.

McCutcheon finished fifth in the HCC and advanced to the McCutcheon Sectional championship game.

Coach Jeff Knoy believes his guards will be this team’s strength, led by junior Jessica Valley and sophomore Lakan Hasser-Smith, each a returning starter.

Each, according to their coach, had a great summer and has a great work ethic.

“Our whole offense will be set up around those two kids,” Knoy said. “In high school girls basketball, good guards are the key to winning games. That’s a good place to start for us.

“Those two played a lot of minutes last year, and they are going to play a bunch this year ... 30 or 31 minutes a game until they get into foul trouble or can’t breathe.”

They will be backed up by sophomore Jaclyn Gochenour and Amanda Neill, who could start at small forward or come off the bench.

By Brent Drinkut/Journal & Courier

McCutcheon coach Jeff Knoy calls out instructions as Jessica Valley prepares to run a play during practice.

FRONT LINE McCutcheon’s only senior, Breanna Horn, will start at center after averaging 2.5 points and four rebounds as a junior.

Knoy says Horn has good size and has added more quickness after playing volleyball this season.

“Bre is a great kid who works extremely hard,” Knoy said. “She is not the most gifted kid in our program, or the biggest or strongest, but she plays harder than any kid we have.”

Sophomore Ashlynn Sexton will start at power forward, and junior Bethany Hainje also could start on the front line if Knoy goes with a two forward, one center and two guard lineup.

Sophomore Jessica Hollinger will come off the bench and provide depth at forward.

McCutcheon will be undersized against most teams it plays.

KEY NEWCOMERS Sexton didn’t play at all early in the 2008-09 season, but with a couple of injuries, she played lots of minutes after Christmas.

Hasser-Smith

Horn

Neill is another young player whom Knoy believes will have a solid season.

“Each is a very athletic sophomore,” Knoy said. “They aren’t necessarily great basketball players, but they are very good athletes. They will be a nice combination for us.

“They both can score, and both can defend. They may be our two best defenders.”

OUTLOOK McCutcheon’s young players — five of its top eight are sophomores — must develop quickly.

If the Mavericks’ young players develop and fill roles, Knoy thinks his team will be fine.

The Hoosier Crossroads Conference will be tough for McCutcheon, but in the Lafayette area, the Mavericks should be very competitive.

Knoy believes his team will

Sexton

Hainje

learn early just how talented it is. With athletic players, Knoy wants the Mavericks to play uptempo, pressing most teams on their schedule.

“If we stand back and play in the half court, we will be very average,” Knoy said. “The kids want to play uptempo, and I like to coach that way.”

Depth will be a concern for the Mavericks, just because five sophomores will fill key roles. The other key probably will be rebounding, “Bre Horn will do well there, but in our conference, that will be tough,” Knoy said.

“Valley and Hasser-Smith also rebound very well from the guard position.”

— Jeff Washburn/ jwashburn@jconline.com

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Girls J&C Hoops Classic

Sunday, November 15, 2009 | jconline.com

TWIN LAKES INDIANS Quick shots Coach: Brad Bowsman (105-36 in seventh season) 2008-09 results: 18-6, lost to Benton Central 55-40 in sectional championship Conference: Hoosier Sectional: Class 3A, Sectional 20 Sectional opponents: Benton Central, Frankfort, Northwestern, West Lafayette and Western (host)

Returning stat leaders Scoring: Audrey Matteson (8.1) Rebounding: Matteson (4.8) Assists: Matteson (2.9) Steals: Matteson (1.2)

Roster No. 10 12 13 14 15 20 21 22 23 24 31 32

Name Pos. Ht. Yr. Savanna Gaumer G 5-6 So. Renae Cotner F 5-8 So. Heather Holverson F 5-9 Jr. Ashley Paul F 5-9 Sr. Laura Cheever G 5-6 Jr. Chloe McAchren G 5-8 Fr. Audrey Matteson G/F 5-9 Jr. Whitley Whitaker G 5-6 Jr. Morgan Gutwein G/F 5-8 Fr. Coryn Tirpak F 5-9 So. Samantha Foutch F 5-9 Sr. Tabitha Bonnell C 5-10 Sr.

Last season Offensive average: 49.4 Defensive average: 41.7 Twin Lakes overcame the graduation of all-time leading scorer Betsy Adams to post its third straight season of 18 or more victories.

Behind seniors Emileah Manahan, Laura Ward and Katie Reiff, the Indians won 10 of 11 games to close out the regular season and advanced to their third sectional final in as many years.

Along the way Twin Lakes avenged regular season and sectional losses to Northwestern, lost only to league champion Benton Central in Hoosier Conference play and finished fifth at the J&C Hoops Classic. The Indians’ Class of 2009 concluded a three-year run that included a 59-14 record and a sectional championship in 2008.

Matteson

Whitaker

ON GUARD For the past two seasons, Audrey Matteson complemented Twin Lakes’ top scorers as a versatile shooting guard. Coach Brad Bowsman said she matured a lot as a sophomore while ranking second on the team in rebounds and assists.

While Matteson can play the point, Bowsman said the Indians would prefer the offense get the ball to her and not the other way around.

“This year she’ll be right there in the forefront of our offense and what we want to be doing on the court,” Bowsman said.

Whitley Whitaker takes over as the starting point guard after backing up the position last season. Heather Holverson will continue to come off the bench as a wing.

FRONT LINE Emileah Manahan, a fouryear starter, took 15.4 points and 11.1 rebounds with her when she graduated. Tabitha Bonnell (4.1 points, 3.4 rebounds) steps into her role as Twin Lakes’ primary post presence.

Team size should be one of the Indians’ strengths. Samantha Foutch and Coryn Tirpak came off the bench frequently last season, and a handful of newcomers will help fill out the post.

“We are a pretty big team actually,” Bonnell said. “That helps because our guards are (also) bigger, so when they crash the boards, we have a lot of big bodies down there.

We’re all pretty strong, so we can move them out of the way and get the ball.”

KEY NEWCOMERS Ashley Paul, a senior who

By John Terhune/Journal & Courier

Audrey Matteson drives between two defenders on her way to the basket during practice.

Holverson

Bonnell

will see her first extensive varsity action, and Renae Cotner give the Indians two more taller bodies under the basket. Chloe McAchren could be asked to help out at point guard, and Laura Cheever, Savanna Gaumer and Morgan Gutwein are all expected to provide depth at wing.

While only a few players have significant varsity experience, Bowsman believes there could be strength in numbers.

“I’m hoping this depth will be a benefit to us,” Bowsman said. “Hopefully the girls buy into it, because I know the girls want to be on the court as much as possible. But if we’re going as hard as we can, I’m looking for us to be going two, three minutes at most and then bringing somebody else in.”

OUTLOOK Bonnell says the success of the past three seasons inspires the Indians to try and keep that run going. However, they

know that may not happen right away.

Aside from Matteson and Bonnell, only Holverson (four times) and Whitaker (one) have started a varsity game.

“Coming in from eighth grade, or even JV to varsity, it’s a big difference,” Bonnell said.

“They’re adjusting nicely, but once they get into the game, it will be a lot different. Two or three games into it we should click pretty well.”

Bowsman hopes that averaging nearly 20 wins over the past three seasons and winning in regular season and postseason tournaments helped prepare Bowsman the former reserves for bigger things.

“I told these girls coming in that, you’ve been on teams that have won games, and I hope that’s been instilled in you that you’re able to step on the court and win games too,” Bowsman said.

— Nathan Baird/ nbaird@jconline.com

Girls J&C Hoops Classic

Sunday, November 15, 2009 | jconline.com

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WEST LAFAYETTE RED DEVILS Quick shots Coach: Jane Schott (2023 in third season, 88-111 in 10th season overall) 2008-09 results: 9-12, lost to Western 58-37 in sectional opener Conference: Hoosier Sectional: Class 3A, Sectional 20 Sectional opponents: Benton Central, Frankfort, Northwestern, Twin Lakes and Western (host)

Returning stat leaders Scoring: Mackenzie Staton (13.1) Rebounding: Maureen Jones (5.1) Assists: Emily Bittner (2.8) Steals: Staton (2.3)

Roster No. 4 10 14 20 21 22 23 32 33 35

Name Pos. Ht. Yr. Jessica Bernard G 5-4 So. Claire Breed F 5-9 Jr. Emily Bittner G 5-4 Sr. Emily Kerns G 5-4 Sr. Kayla Jones G 5-4 Fr. Rachel Domondon G 5-4 Sr. Mackenzie Staton G 5-8 Sr. Carissa Pekny G 5-7 So. Sarah Warren G 5-4 So. Maureen Jones F 5-9 Sr.

Last season Offensive average: 50.7 Defensive average: 58.4 The Red Devils expected to build off the 11-11 finish from Jane Schott’s first season. But after starting 2-1, West Lafayette lost seven of its next eight against the toughest stretch in its schedule. Through their first 10 games, the Red Devils allowed 64.4 points per game.

They allowed only 52.9 over their final 11.

West Lafayette hit its stride in the second half and won six of nine games entering the sectional. But Mackenzie Staton broke her hand with three games left, hurting the Red Devils’ chances against a strong sectional field.

ON GUARD Mackenzie Staton emerged as a go-to scorer last season and is West Lafayette’s only returning player who averaged more than 6.1 points per game.

Also a standout soccer player, Staton’s athleticism makes her as much of a threat to score with the outside shot as she is to drive to the basket.

“She has an arsenal of offensive weapons that really help our team, and now I feel we have some pieces to go along with her that fit her very well,” coach Jane Schott said. “I look to see her have an even better season than she did last year.”

Emily Bittner (5.5 points, 2.8 assists) is a three-year varsity player who returns at point guard. Her quickness and tenacity also make her a defensive asset.

“Emily always gives 100 percent, no matter what the score is,” Staton said. “She’s a really good vocal leader. People listen to her and people respect her. She’s is a great example to watch on the floor, because you never see her not going 100 percent.”

Rachel Domondon (4.4 points, 2.1 steals) backed up Bittner last season and also provides a shooting touch.

By Brent Drinkut/Journal & Courier

Mackenzie Staton looks for an open teammate during practice.

a zone-busting outside shot.

Schott describes both Jessica Bernard and Sarah Warren as “defensive specialists” who fit her style of basketball.

FRONT LINE West Lafayette will miss Hannah Renner’s 10 points and 7.2 rebounds per game.

Maureen Jones (6.1 points, 5.1 rebounds) will be looked to as the team’s main scoring threat in the post.

Like Staton, she is comfortable both outside and inside.

M. Jones “Both of them can post up; both of them can hit the three,” Schott said.

“The two-man game between those two is very appealing, because they can interchange and it makes it difficult for the defense to try to check them.”

Carissa Pekny (3.3 points, 4.4 rebounds) entered the starting lineup last season when Staton’s season ended

OUTLOOK Bittner

Pekny

due to injury. She’ll work in the post this season due to a lack of numbers there. Claire Breed provides additional experienced depth in the frontcourt.

Because of a lack of size, the rest of the Red Devils will be expected to chip in on the glass.

“Everyone else, even though we’re small, just has to be a little nasty and get after it and go get the ball,” Schott said. “If we don’t play that way, it’s going to be a long season.”

NEWCOMERS Emily Kerns moves up from the junior varsity and provides

Schott is encouraged by the number of players returning with varsity experience. However, she’s waiting to see who will step up and take over as the team’s third scorer behind Staton and Jones.

The Red Devils are setting their goals higher from the beginning this season.

“We’re trying to be good leaders for the underclassmen, and it’s going to show a lot on the court,” Staton said. “We haven’t always come into the season expecting to do really well, but this year our expectations are a lot higher. Hopefully we can follow through with that.”

— Nathan Baird/ nbaird@jconline.com

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Girls J&C Hoops Classic

Sunday, November 15, 2009 | jconline.com