I-70 Conference Schedules
PAGE 2 — THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, November 26, 2014
12/1 12/4 12/5 12/8-13 12/15 12/16 12/18 1/2 1/5-10
1/12 1/13 1/15 1/15 & 1/17 1/16 1/20 1/21 1/22 1/23 1/27 1/29 1/30 2/2 2/3 2/5 2/6 2/10 2/12 2/13 2/16 2/17 2/19
12/2 12/5 12/8-13
12/18 12/20 12/22 1/2 1/5-10
1/13 1/15 & 1/17 1/16 1/22 1/23 1/26-31 2/3 2/6 2/10 2/12 2/13 2/16 2/17 2/19
Saint Paul
Northwest 5:30 Green Ridge 6:00 Oak Grove 5:30 I-70 Conference Tournament @Saint Paul TBA Cole Camp 6:00 Lincoln 6:00 Odessa 5:30 Calvary 6:00 Lafayette County Invitational Tournament @ Knob Noster TBA Sweet Springs 6:00 Lone Jack 5:30 Higginsville 6:00 Santa Fe Shootout TBA KC Lutheran 5:00 Crest Ridge 5:30 Sacred Heart 6:00 Santa Fe 6:00 Santa Fe 5:30 Orrick 5:00 Crest Ridge 6:00 Concordia 5:30 Lone Jack 6:00 Pilot Grove 6:00 Marshall 6:00 Wellington-Napolean 5:30 Concordia 6:00 Wellington 6:00 Sweet Springs 5:30 Sacred Heart 6:00 Smithton 6:00 Tolton 6:00
Santa Fe
Tina Avalon 5:00 Kingsville 6:00 I-70 Conference Tournament @Saint Paul TBA Carrollton 5:00 Sacred Heart 4:30 Richmond 5:30 Slater 3:30 Lafayette County Invitational Tournament @ Knob Noster TBA Lexington 4:30 Santa Fe Shootout TBA Sweet Springs 4:30 Saint Paul 6:00 Saint Paul 5:30 Slater Tournament TBA Lone Jack 4:30 Crest Ridge 4:30 Wellington-Napoleon 4:30 Concordia 5:30 Concordia 5:30 Orrick 4:30 Harrisburg 5:30 Green Ridge 5:00
VG/VB JVB/VG JVG/VG
VG/VB JVG/VG VG/VB VG/VB JVB/VB
VG/VB JVG/JVB VG/VB VG/VB JVG/JVB JVB/VGB VG/VB JVG/JVB JVG/JVB VG/VB JVGB/VGB JVG/JVB VG/VB JVG/JVB VG/VB JVG/JVB VG/VB JVG/JVB JVG/JVB VG/VB VG/VB VG/VB VG/VB
JVGB/VGB JVG/VB
VG/VB JVGB/VGB VG/VB JVG/VG JVGB/VGB
VG/VB JVGB/VGB JVG/JVB JVGB/VGB JVG/JVB VG/VB VG/VB JVGB/VGB JVGB/VGB JVGB/VGB JVG/JVB VG/VB JVGB/VGB VG/VB JVGB/VGB
12/5 12/8-13
12/15 12/16 12/17 12/19 12/29 1/5-10
1/12 1/13 1/15 & 1/17 1/16 1/19-24 1/26-29 1/30 2/2 2/3 2/4 2/5 2/6 2/9 2/10 2/12 2/13 2/17 2/19
12/2 12/3 12/4 12/5 12/8-13
12/15 12/19 1/5-10 1/13 1/15 1/16 1/15 & 1/17 1/20 1/21 1/22 1/23 1/26-31 2/2 2/3 2/4 2/6 2/9 2/10 2/11 2/12 2/13 2/17
Concordia
Carrollton 5:00 I-70 Conference Tournament @Saint Paul TBA Pilot Grove 6:00 Sacred Heart 5:00 Norborne 6:00 Knob Noster 5:30 Lincoln @ S.F.C.C. 6:00 Lafayette County Invitational Tournament @ Knob Noster TBA Higginsville 5:30 Crest Ridge 5:30 Santa Fe Shootout TBA Lone Jack 4:30 Wellington Tournament TBA Oak Grove JV Challenge TBA Saint Paul 5:30 Higginsville 6:00 Wellington-Napolean 5:30 Sweet Springs 6:00 Leeton 5:00 Sweet Springs 5:30 Wellington-Napolean 6:00 Saint Paul 6:00 Santa Fe 5:30 Santa Fe 5:30 Orrick 4:30 Cole Camp 6:00
Sweet Springs
Green Ridge Slater Northwest Leeton I-70 Conference Tournament @Saint Paul Malta Bend Pilot Grove @ S.F.C.C. New Franklin Tournament Wellington Bunceton Santa Fe Santa Fe Shootout Otterville Higinsville Glasgow Lone Jack Leeton Tournament Kingsville Slater Concordia Concordia Leeton Orrick Marshall Tolton Catholic Saint Paul Crest Ridge
5:30 5:30 5:00 6:00
TBA 6:00 7:30 TBA 4:30 6:00 4:30 TBA 6:00 5:30 6:00 4:30 TBA 5:30 5:00 5:30 4:30 6:00 4:30 5:00 6:00 5:30 4:30
JVGB/VGB
VG/VB VG/VB JVGB/VGB JVG/JVB JVB/VB VG/VB
VG/VB JVG/VG VG/VB JVG/JVB JVGB/VGB VG/VB JVG/JVB VG/VB JVG/JVB VG/VB JVG/JVB JVGB/VGB VG/VB JVG/JVB JVG/JVB JVG/JVB VG/VB JVGB/VGB JVG/VG
JVGB/VGB JVG/JVB JVGB/VGB VG/VB
VG/VB VG/VB VG/VB VG/VB JVB/VGB VG/VB JVGB/VGB JVG/JVB VG/VB JVG/JVB VG/VB JVGB/VGB VG/VB VG/VB JVG/VGB VG/VB JVGB/VGB JVG/JVB JVGB/VGB JVG/JVB VG/VB VG/VB JVG/VGB
I-70 Conference Schedules Cont.
THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, November 26, 2014 — PAGE 3
12/1 12/2 12/5 12/8-13
12/9 12/15 12/18 12/19 1/2 1/3 1/6 1/7 1/8 1/13 1/16 1/20 1/21 1/23 1/26-31 1/29 2/3 2/5 2/6 2/9-14 2/17 2/19
12/1 12/2 12/4 12/8-13
12/17-20 12/18 1/5 1/6 1/12-17 1/19-24 1/27 1/29 1/30 2/2 2/3 2/5 2/6 2/10 2/13 2/16 2/17
Crest Ridge
Concordia Kingsville Holden I-70 Conference Tournament @Saint Paul Lexington Northwest Lone Jack Lexington Archie Windsor @ UCM Kingsville Sherwood Lone Jack Concordia Wellington-Napoleon Saint Paul Holden Cole Camp Leeton Tournament Saint Paul Orrick Wellington-Napoleon Santa Fe Midway Sweet Springs Smithton
Orrick
Mid Buchanan West Platte East Buchanan I-70 Conference Tournament @Saint Paul Lathrop JV Tournament Lexington Braymer Plattsburg Braymer Invitational Tournament Wellington Invitational Tournament Saint Paul Wellington-Napoleon Hardin Central North Platte Crest Ridge Lexington Lone Jack Sweet Springs Wellington-Napoleon Santa Fe Concordia
5:30 5:30 5:30
TBA 5:30 5:30 5:30 5:30 4:30 5:30 5:30 5:00 5:30 5:30 5:30 5:30 5:30 5:30 TBA 5:30 4:30 5:30 4:30 TBA 4:30 5:30
6:00 5:00 5:00
TBA TBA 6:00 5:00 5:00 TBA
TBA 4:30 6:00 5:30 4:30 4:30 6:00 4:30 4:30 5:30 4:30 4:30
JVG/JVB VG/JVB JVG/VG
VG/VB JVG/JVB VG/VB JVG/JVB VG/VB JVB/VGB VG/VB JVG/JVB JVG/JVB VG/VB VG/VB VG/VB VG/VB JVB/VB VG/VB VG/VB JVG/JVB JVG/VGB JVG/JVB JVGB/VGB VG/VB JVGB/VGB VG/VB
VG/VB VG/VB JVB/VGB
VG/VB JVG/JVB VG/VB VG/VB JVB/VGB VG/VB
VG/VB VG/VB JVGB VG/VB VG/VB JVG/VGB JVG/JVB JVB/VGB VG/VB VG/VB VG/VB JVG/VGB
12/2 12/5 12/8-13
12/15 12/18 12/19
1/5 1/13 1/15 & 1/17 1/16 1/19-24
1/26 1/27 1/29 2/2 2/3 2/5 2/6 2/9 2/10 2/12 2/13 2/17 2/19
12/02 12/05 12/8-13
12/18 12/19 1/06 1/08 1/09 1/12 1/13 1/15 & 1/17 1/15 1/16 1/20 1/22 1/23 1/26-31 2/02 2/03 2/06 2/09-14 2/17 2/18
Wellington-Napolean
Lexington Odessa I-70 Conference Tournament @Saint Paul Polo Leeton North Central Missouri College Shootout @ Trenton MRVC Showdown Sweet Springs Santa Fe Shootout Crest Ridge Wellington Invitational Tournament Carrollton KC Lutheran Orrick Hardin-Central Concordia Crest Ridge Saint Paul Concorida Santa Fe Saint Paul Orrick Lone Jack North Platte
Lone Jack
North Platte Maranatha I-70 Conference Tournament @Saint Paul Crest Ridge Adrian Sherwood Crest Ridge Kingsville Archie Saint Paul Santa Fe Shootout Knob Noster Concordia KC Lutheran Midway Sweet Springs Lone Jack Tournament Saint Paul Santa Fe Orrick Midway Tournament Wellington Kingsville
5:30 4:30
TBA 4:30 5:00
6:00 TBA 4:30 TBA 5:30
VG/VB JVG/VGB
VG/VB JVG/VGB JVGB/VGB
VG/VB VG/VB JVB/VGB JVG/JVB VG/VB
TBA 5:00 5:00 6:00 4:30 5:30 6:00 5:30 6:00 4:30 6:00 5:30 5:30 6:00
VG/VB JVGB/VGB JVB/VGB JVG/JVB JVG/VGB VG/VB JVG/JVB VG/VB JVG/JVB JVB/VGB JVG/JVB VG/VB VG/VB VG/VB
4:30 4:00
JVGB/VGB JVGB/VGB
TBA 5:30 4:30 5:00 4:30 5:00 5:30 5:30 TBA 5:00 4:30 4:30 5:00 4:30 TBA 6:00 4:30 4:30 TBA 5:30 5:30
VG/VB JVG/JVB JVGB/VGB JVB/VGB JVGB/VGB JVGB/VGB JVB/VB VG/VB JVG/JVB JVG/VG JVGB/VGB JVG/VGB JVG/VGB JVG/VGB VG/VB JVG/JVB JVGB/VGB JVB/VGB VG/VB VG/VB JVG/JVB
Orioles need to replace Heimsoth’s leadership
PAGE 4 — THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, November 26, 2014
by Hobby King SPORTS WRITER
Back for his third year as head coach, Eric Hon has his work cut out for him leading the Concordia Orioles. Gone is three-year starter and prolific scorer Cass Heimsoth. He averaged more than 20 points a game in his senior season as the Orioles posted an 11-15 overall mark, which included 4-3 in the I-70 Conference. Heimsoth, a multi-talented player, provided 633 points or 24.3 points per game last year. His offensive production was 41 percent of the 1,540 points scored by the Orioles in their 26 games. Heimsoth’s 7.0 boards per game were second on the team to Trent McGinnis, who is one of two starters returning. Averaging 3.3 assists per game, proved Heimsoth was not afraid to dish the ball to teammates. He also topped the team with 1.9 steals and 1.7 blocked shots per contest. Also gone as starters are Austin Beydler and Tony Sherman. Beydler provided 9.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Sherman averaged 3.0 points, 2.0 boards, 1.1 assists and 1.2 steals per contest. McGinnis, a junior, pumped in 8.8 points per game and pulled down 7.3 caroms per contest last year. He also handed out 1.1 assists per game and recorded 1.1 steals per contest. McGinnis is slated to be the post player. “He has gotten taller and stronger over the summer,” Hon, who will be assisted by Omar Lovercamp, said. “With his varsity experience from last season, we see him having a good season for us this year.”
Charles Dunlap/The Concordian
Members of the 2014-15 Concordia Orioles Basketball Team (from left) are: front, Cameron Cooper, Dalton Borgstadt, Alex Collier, Drew Hon, Hunter Bredehoeft, Spencer Brown, Kade Meineka; middle, Brandon Mulligan, Austin Werths, Tate Bittiker, John Sparks, Carter Warren, Alex Martin, Mason Rohr, Abram Frerking, Collin Scrieger; back, assistant coach Omar Lovercamp, Hayden Moore, Alec Mueller, Jordan Schlueter, Trent McGinnis, Evan Collner, Wade Heimsoth, Zack Toole, Ty Flandermeyer, head coach, Eric Hon.
Also slated to help out in the post will be senior Evan Collner, who was sidelined with an injury last year. “We see him coming into some games and having an impact,” Hon said. The other starter back is junior Jordan Schlueter, who will be moved to the point. He put up solid numbers of 9.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game in 2013-14. “With his experience at the varsity level, we believe he will be able to step into this position,” Hon said. The Orioles sport a healthy list of other players with varsity experience, including seniors Ty Flander-
meyer, Hayden Moore and Zack Toole, junior Mason Rohr and sophomore Wade Heimsoth. Also available for playing time are juniors Hunter Bredehoeft, Alec Mueller and Alex Martin and sophomores Tate Bittiker, Spencer Brown and John Sparks. Hon said he has several players who could fill the role of shooting guard. “We see all of them having an impact in our offense,
but with their varsity experience, Flandermeyer, Moore and Toole are the ones we see stepping up for this position,” Hon said. Hon says Wade Heimsoth is the only player on the roster who could be considered a forward. “He will be a presence on both ends of the floor with his rebounding ability,” Hon said. “He also has the ability to take the ball to the basket.” The Orioles have a roster
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of 26, including five seniors, six juniors and five sophomores. Hon is hopeful the Orioles worked out the kinks of not having some marquee players back from last year. “I would say our strengths would be numbers and how equal our abilities are,” he said. “So, we are pushing each other in practice every day to get better.” Hon said lack of varsity experience is a negative.
“Even though we have a large number of players returning, their playing time was limited last season,” he said. Hon said the Orioles have to be ready every practice and game. “We have to come into the gym every day and make ourselves better,” he said. “We need to get time on the floor and be a good defensive team.”
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Lady Orioles will have some depth this year
THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, November 26, 2014 — PAGE 5
Charles Dunlap/The Concordian
Members of the 2014-15 Lady Orioles Basketball Team (from left) are: front, Johnna Toole, Mallory Scherer, Kayla Davis, Kayla Stuart, Laura Edwards, Madison Langkrahr, Sami Brackman, Sabrina Limback; back row, head coach, Susie Vandevender, Gloria Guier, Cailey Cooper, Moriah Rudy, Ellison Brunkhorst, Bethany Steen, Christa Curtis, assistant coach, Brent Cooper. by Hobby King SPORTS WRITER
Brockman set the table last year as the point guard. She averaged 8.7 points, 2.1 assists and 2.8 steals per game. Returning full-time starters are senior Kayla Stuart and juniors Ellison Brunkhorst and Cailey Cooper. Stuart, will probably be asked to play a guard position this year due to the emergence of 5-11 sophomore Mariah Rudy. Stuart averaged 3.2 points and 3.3 boards per game in 2013-2014. Cooper returns as the
team’s returning top scorer as she averaged 13.1 points per game. She also delivered the most assists at 3.1 per game and was second in steals at 2.6 per game. Brunkhorst filled the lane last year and put up 9.4 points per game. She led the team in rebounding at 7.9 per game. Vandevender, who will be assisted again this year by former CHS boys’ head coach Brent Cooper, says Brunkhorst and Rudy will share the paint. And the Lady Orioles
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Coming off a season where the Lady Orioles finished 12-14 overall and 2-5 in the I-70 Conference, thirdyear head coach Susie Vandevender is optimistic Concordia will improve on the hardwoods. She feels good about her team for multiple reasons, not the least of which is the return of four starters. The lone starter not returning is Cassidy Brockman.
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should get more minutes of play under the basket from junior Gloria Guier, sophomore Laura Edwards and freshman Bethany Stein. Vandevender said the Lady Orioles will look to Cooper and freshman Sami Brackman to control the ball and bring it down the floor. “They both are basketball savvy and can run the court,” she said. “They have their heads up and great court awareness.” She said junior Mallory Scherer, sophomore Kayla
Davis and freshman Madyson Langkrahr also could play some minutes at the point. Stuart, Cooper, Scherer and junior Christa Curtis could fill the role as shooting guard at any time. “They’ve put in a lot of time with their outside shots to make themselves more of a swing guard, being able to go inside or out,” Vandevender said. Overall, Vandevender said Stuart could play the No. 3 or 4 position on the floor. “I’m looking for her to be tough on defense and attack the boards,” Vandevender said. “Ellison Brunkhorst is proving in practice that she is more aggressive on defense and confident in her ability to score under the basket. She plays smart defense and is working on attacking the boards.” Cooper is perhaps the most versatile player on the roster, being able to start at the No. 1, 2 or 3 positions. “I’m looking for her to be an offensive triple threat this season,” Vandevender said. “She works hard on both ends of the court. She is a smart defender and anticipates well. She’s a good rebounder who gets several put-backs a game.” “She is a great passer and is working on handling the ball,” Vandevender said. “She works hard on defense and attacks the basket for re-
bounds. “I’m looking for Gloria Guier to be more of an insideoutside scorer. She is working on her drive to the basket and laying it up strongly with confidence.” Vandevender also is looking for big contributions from Curtis, Rudy, Davis and Edwards as well as freshmen Bethany Steen, Madyson Langkrahr and Sami Brackman. “Bethany is working hard on her post moves and learning plays,” Vandevender said. She is eager to learn and has improved each practice. “Madyson is working on transition play and will be asked to step in and play any of the guard positions. Sami has great court awareness and handles the ball with confidence. She works hard in practice and pushes herself at all times.” “The girls can all run the floor and finish in the paint,” she said. “I am also confident in my bench. We should not miss a beat when they are on the floor.” The Lady Orioles have a roster of 13, including five juniors and three sophomores. “We have to stay healthy because of our numbers,” Vandevender said. “The girls have to be able to give me 32 minutes of hustle to win games. Our conference is very tough, so in order to succeed, we have to outplay our opponent.”
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Saints have two starters back
PAGE 6 — THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, November 26, 2014
by Hobby King SPORTS WRITER
Coming off of their best year in the Monte Pitsch coaching era, the Saint Paul Saints still have two quality starters returning. The Saints won the I70 Conference title with a perfect 7-0 mark and finished 20-4 overall in 2013-14. But in his 14th year, Pitsch must find replacements for three starters-Gerhard von zur Muehlen, Elijah Rodewald and Michael Nebel. Rodewald, who could drive to the basket or shoot the three, finished as the Saints’ top scorer at 13.9 points per game. He also had 3.5 rebounds, a team-best 4.0 assists and tied for the team high with 2.1 steals per game. Averaging 13.1 points, a team-best 7.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game was von zur Muehlen. Michael Nebel registered 5.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Pitsch, who is being assisted by Clint Stuenkel and Jordan Bredehoeft, also says Simon Schmidt, Peyton Kusel, Jonathan Self and Luke Stuenkel return with varsity experience. Pitsch pointed out Kusel and Schmidt are the leading candidates to be the point guard. “Both of them are developing nicely,” he said.
“When one is on the point, the other will be playing a guard spot.” Pitsch also said Tanner Lark and Ryan Kollbaum can also play the point. Kusel, Schmidt, Matt Nebel, Mark Allen Self and Kollbaum are competing for the shooting guard. Lemmons and Eric Allen are pretty secure as returning starters at the forward positions. “These two have a lot of experience and had good years last year,” Pitsch said. Eric Allen put up 10.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Lemmons produced 9.9 points, 4.5 boards, 2.2 assists and 2.1 steals per contest. Nebel, Self and Mark Allen all will compete for minutes at small forward. Peyton Mays and Peyton King are competing for the backup power forward spot. Stuenkel returns to the court after missing his junior year with a torn anterior-cruciate ligament. He is slated to play the post. “When he was a sophomore, he was our first big off the bench,” Pitsch said. Mays and King also will serve as backups. “We still have decent size and we have proven scorers and role players,” Pitsch said. “We do have to develop a bench.” Pitsch said staying
Members of the 2014-15 Saint Paul Lutheran High School Saints Basketball Team (from left) are: front, Eric Allen, Luke Stuenkel, Peter Lemmons, Simon Schmidt, John Self, Peyton Mays; back, Peyton Kusel, Matt Nebel, Mark Allen, Ryan Kollbaum, Tanner Lark and Peyton King.
healthy and everyone understanding their roles will help the Saints have another successful year.
Overall, the roster numbers 23, including five seniors, three juniors and eight sophomores.
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Lady Saints return four of five starters
THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, November 26, 2014 — PAGE 7
Ariel McLanahan/The Concordian
Members of the 2014-15 Lady Saints Basketball team (from left) are: front, Meghann Roepe, Emily Aversman, Gabby Kueck, Becca Schultz, Clara Nehel; back, Shania Anderson, Lexi Burrow, Rebecca Roepe, Madison Pitsch, Tiffany Bennett. by Hobby King SPORTS WRITER
Entering his 21st year as the head coach of the Saint Paul Lady Saints, John Beerman is hopeful the Lady Saints can continue to improve upon a 2013-2014 season in which the Lady Saints were on the cusp of claiming an I-70 Conference title. The only team keeping them from that was Wellington, which downed them 42-37 in their regular-season meeting, turning out to be the difference in the league
standings. The Lady Saints were 18-7 overall and 6-1 in the I-70. Back for Beerman, who is being assisted by Eric Gramenz, are four starters. He will have to find a replacement for solid role player Breanna Vogelsmeier as a starter. She put up 5.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game, the latter being second on the team. The foundation of the team will be under the basket with senior Becca Roepe, who led the team in scoring and rebounding at 14.4 points and 8.4
boards per game a year ago. “She’s an exceptional athlete who can do quite a few things for us,” Beerman said. “I expect her to pick up where she left off. “She’s a quick post player who jumps well. She can handle the ball well for a post and many times leads our break.” Also an integral part of the Lady Saints’ success last year was shooting guard Tiffany Bennett, now a senior. She scored 11.5 points per game in 2013-2014. She also averaged 3.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.8 steals per
contest. Beerman said Bennett, who will be starting for the third straight year, is a multi-talented player. “She drives hard to the basket and shoots well from outside,” he said. “She’s a team leader in and out of season. She has a very high basketball IQ. She’s a good decision maker and makes us go.” At the point will be senior Gabby Kueck, starting for a second year. Kueck averaged 4.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.2 steals per game as a junior. “She’s a much-im-
proved ball handler, making good decisions running the offense,” Beerman said. “She’s also a very good defender.” Beerman said Kueck and Bennett will actually be splitting time at the point. “Gabby has improved her shooting ability and will take some of the load off Tiffany,” he said. Senior Madison Pitsch will give the Lady Saints valuable contributions from inside and outside. “She has shown flashes of exceptional play,” Beerman said. “She is a very good defender who will guard the other team’s best forward.” A year ago, Pitsch averaged 6.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. Beerman has several players from whom to choose for the fifth starter because senior Shania Anderson played in 17 games, senior Lexi Burrow 24 games, senior
Becca Schultz 20 contests and sophomore Clara Nebel 12 last year. “Shania Anderson has steadily improved,” Beerman said. “She can hit the outside shot and has improved her quickness and ability to defend on the exterior.” Burrow gives the Lady Saints more depth at the post. “She’s improved greatly each year,” Beerman said. “I don’t expect a drop-off when she enters the game. She knows her role on the team and fills it very well.” In the Lady Saints’ corner for this year is their overall experience, but they lack a lot of depth, according to Beerman. “We need to remain healthy and out of foul trouble,” he said. “We must play good defense and look to run the floor at every opportunity.” The Lady Saints have a roster of 17, including seven seniors.
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Chiefs looking for turnaround season
PAGE 8 — THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, November 26, 2014
by Hobby King SPORTS WRITER
With two full-time and six part-time starters returning to the fold, ninthyear head coach Travis Zahl is hopeful the Santa Fe Chiefs will be better this season. Last year, the Chiefs dipped to 1-6 in the I-70 Conference and 3-21 overall. Off of that squad, Zahl, who is being assisted by Andy Frerking, are starters Gavin Bargfrede and Keaton Graf, the latter liked driving to the basket or shooting the ball from deep. But this year is another year, and these players have earned much-needed experience. Returning are full-time starters in junior Ben Hinz and senior Truman Sleeper. Zahl said the roster also includes six other players who started at least one game. Others back with varsity experience include seniors Ty Bell, Ryan Cox and Tim Nienhueser, juniors Luke Schmidt and Issiac Blomberg and sophomores Blake Monsees, Dobber Burton, Holden Bargfrede and Alex Smith. The roster also includes freshmen Andrew Edwards and Blake Schreiman. Zahl is counting on Hinz to control the game from the point-guard position.
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“Ben should have a much better season this year taking care of the ball,” he said. “He is an explosive player and a good shooter. I like for him to be more aggressive on both ends of the floor.” Zahl says the Chiefs have five players competing for shooting guard and the small-forward position. The list includes Bargfrede, Burton, Monsees, Smith and Schreiman. “We have a mixture of scorers and defenders,” Zahl said. “The defenders need to become better offensive players and the scorers need to improve defensively.” Zahl said Sleeper should be a versatile player, and although he will probably play mostly a forward spot, he could play any position on the floor. “He had a good season last year with some monster games,” Zahl said. “We are looking for more consistency from Truman on both ends of the floor. Truman also has become a more vocal leader for us.” Bell, Nienhueser, Blomberg, Cox, Schmidt and Edwards will compete for the small-forward spot and one of the post spots, according to Zahl. “Ty Bell is our most experienced of these players,” Zahl said. “Tim Nienhueser is the best communicator and leader we have on the team.”
Sarah Reed/The Concordian
Members of the 2014-15 Santa Fe Chiefs basketball team (from left) are: front, Ryan Cox, Luke Schmidt, Ty Bell, Tim Nienhueser, Truman Sleeper, Issaic Blomberg, Ben Hinz; middle row, Holden Bargfrede, Blake Schreiman, Dobber Burton, Andrew Edwards, Blake Monsees, Matt Chiddix; back, head coach Travis Zahl, Levi Sims, Peyton Sowers, Dalton Templeton, Alex Smith, assistant coach Andy Frerking. Zahl says the Chiefs have some size, “If we can develop it. We have some returners who are capable of being all-conference players. “We have 13 guys competing for five spots,
so practice is intense, and we seem to be improving defensively. Our seniors are wonderful leaders.” Zahl said the Chiefs do suffer from youth, with 12 of their 19 players on the roster being underclass-
men. Three are seniors. “We must play with confidence and put last season behind us,” he said. “We need to improve defensively and turnover numbers have to go down. We also need to be better
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Four starters back for Lady Chiefs
THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, November 26, 2014 — PAGE 9
Sarah Reed/The Concordian
Members of the 2014-15 Lady Chiefs basketball team (from left) are: front, Kylie Limback, Kourtney Chiddix, Masey Peters, Coach Jeremy Hobbs, Lexi Smith, Katey Peters, Courtney Bishop; second row, Kylee Kuecker, Kenzie Phillips, Angelina Toledo, Lydia Wetter, Alexa Begemann, Lauren Wiggins; third row, Cara Hinz, Alyssa Tracy, Sadie Limback, Sierra Duncan, Manager Phoebe Tieman; back row, Managers: Alondra Diaz, Hannah Bargfrede, Molly Mahoney. by Hobby King SPORTS WRITER
Losing only one starter off a team that finished 17-10 overall and 4-3 in the I-70 Conference last year, the Santa Fe Lady Chiefs could challenge for the league title this season. Jeremy Hobbs is back on board for his seventh season leading the Lady Chiefs, who lost starter GO TEAMS!!!
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Brooke Barnett to graduation. Back for the Lady Chiefs are starters Katey Peters, Kourtney Chiddix, Lexi Smith and Kylie Limback. Others back with varsity experience include Courtney Bishop, Lauren Wiggins and Kylee Kuecker. Peters is slated to be the point guard and has three years of varsity
starting experience. “She’s becoming a better scorer and sets a good pace for our team,” Hobbs said. “She is also a strong defender. She has to stay on the floor, so she has to limit fouls.” Hobbs said Kuecker will spend some time at the point, too. “She must look to keep the pace Katey sets and be an effective passer,” Hobbs said.
Having Smith back as a shooting guard is a big plus. “She’s an improved scorer and shooter, bringing a new level of confidence to her game, which appeared over the course of last season,” Hobbs said. Hobbs says Kuecker also is developing into a good option for the Lady Chiefs. “We hope she can han-
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dle her share of ball-handling duties and be a perimeter threat,” he said. “She must improve on the ability to create space to get herself open looks.” Bishop and Kylie Limback are slated to be the forward/posts. “Overall, our posts became better defenders last year,” Hobbs said. “They need to do a good job of working together on the offensive end this year. Kylie and Courtney will have to commit to working in tandem rather than just positing and letting our feet go dead. “We rebounded well last year, really sought the basketball in an aggressive way. More of that will help us get the ball into transition.” He said freshman Sadie Limback also could be a factor. “She may be able to contribute at the varsity level with continued skill development,” Hobbs said. “She’s an aggressive young player with a knack for finding the rim.” Hobbs said the offguards need to develop better ball-handling skills so they can have success
attacking the rim. “Both Kourtney and Lauren have the potential to really make an impact that way,” he said. “As do Kylee, Kenzie (Phillips) and Lydia (Wetter). “That group is full of potential starters and bigtime contributors, much like it was last year. We’ll see what rises to the top. As a group, they are talented. But our focus will be moving that talent from the potential department to the execution department. “Whomever emerges will have to be a tough defender and tough-nosed.” Hobbs is hopeful the competition in practice each day will forge several viable options. He lists athleticism and positive attitudes as strengths and conditioning and shooting as negatives. “We have to set a good tempo and limit our turnovers,” Hobbs said. “We also need to rebound effectively, guard in the half court and have balanced scoring.” In all, the Lady Chiefs have a roster of 16, including four seniors, six juniors and three sophomores.
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PAGE 10 — THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, November 26, 2014, 2014
Greyhounds return four players with varsity experience
by Hobby King SPORTS WRITER
Only Wellington’s Todd Shannon has a longer tenure among the boys’ basketball coaches in the I70 Conference than does Sweet Springs’ mentor Tim Smith. Smith will be entering his 17th year as the head man for the Greyhounds, who posted a 21-7 overall mark last year. They were 5-2 in the I-70 Conference, third behind Saint Paul and Shannon’s Tigers. The Greyhounds won the Leeton Tournament for the second consecutive year and tied for the most wins in a season in school history. The Greyhounds lost the district championship to Sacred Heart, which finished up an undefeated season by claiming the state crown. The Greyhounds return four varsity players from last year’s squad. But they will be without four-year starter and prolific scorer Jacob Schowengerdt, who graduated. Andrew Krause returns as a starter for the fourth straight year. Krause had a “great summer and will take over at point guard,” Smith said. Senior Austin Boland will be the Greyhounds’
shooting guard. “He’s very athletic and quick, but will miss the start of the season due to a football injury,” Smith said. Senior Trevor Phillips is slated to play the post. “He will be a tough match-up in the post with his quickness,” Smith said. Senior Justin Mitchell also is going to get some time in the post, Smith said. Junior Austin Knipmeyer will be another guard. “He rebounds well and has improved his scoring near the basket,” Smith said. Junior Rhett Snider also will play a guard and junior Michael White will be in the post. Others who could be on the floor for varsity time include junior Noah Dierker at guard, sophomore Joe Markes at center, Zack Giffen at guard and Drew Weber in the post. The Greyhounds have a roster of 16. “The junior varsity had a nice season last year, so we are looking for them to step forward and help us along with a couple of junior-high kids, as well,” Smith said. “We will play an up-tempo pace and try to use our athleticism in the full court.”
Photo courtesy of Inter-State Studios
Members of the 2014-15 Sweet Springs Greyhounds Basketball team (from left) are: front, Rhett Snider, Michael White, Noah Dierker, Zack Giffen; back, Austin Boland, Justin Mitchell, Andrew Krause, Joe Markes, Trevor Phillips, Drew Weber, Austin Knipmeyer.
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Smith returns as Lady Greyhound’s head coach
THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, November 26, 2014 — PAGE 11
Photo courtesy of Inter-State Studios
Members of the 2014-15 Lady Greyhounds Basketball team (from left) are: front-center, Olivia Loges; middle row, Natasha Love, Kortnee Vaught, Ashleigh Bright, Nicole Bright, Tori Hinton, Allison Morrison, Hannah Viets, Alexis Winfrey, Katelyn Evans, Megan Evans, Taylor Dodds, Emily Phillips, Maddie Vogelsmeier. by Hobby King SPORTS WRITER
During the late 1990s, Tim Smith pulled doubleduty as head coach of both Sweet Springs varsity basketball teams. It’s deja vu all over again for the veteran head coach. After one year back as head coach, Boyd Jones “Good Luck to all area teams!!”
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resigned again as the Lady Greyhounds’ mentor, leading them to a 16-11 overall mark and 2-5 in the I-70 Conference. Now, in steps Smith to a pretty good situation with a team that has height, speed and playmaking ability. The team is led by senior twins Nicole and Ash-
ley Bright. “Nicole will be moving to our point-guard position,” Smith, who will be assisted by Brent Niemeyer and Zach Thomas this year, said. “She is tall and athletic and will be a mismatch if teams play us man.” Ashleigh Bright will play the post.
“She is tall and athletic and one of the better post players in the conference,” Smith said. Senior Olivia Loges
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also will play the post. “She is long and athletic and is a good rebounder and has a nice mid-range jump shot,” Smith said. Megan Evans, also a senior, will be the team’s off guard. “She is quick and athletic and is a good defender and rebounder for her size,” Smith said. Junior Kortnee Vaught also is slated to be a starter. “She will be our shooting guard,” Smith said. “She is quick to the basket and draws a lot of fouls on other teams. She is athletic and can knock down an outside jump shot.” Smith also is counting on sophomore Tori Hinton to be the first player off the bench. “She will play both the guard and post spot,” Smith said. “Tori is athletic and does a good job of getting to the basket, knocking down jumpers and playing defense.” Smith, whose roster boasts 14 players, is hopeful with all of the experience returning, the Lady Greyhounds can challenge for the I-70 Conference crown. “We are very excited about this upcoming season and what these girls can accomplish,” he said.
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Bearcats have new head coach PAGE 12 — THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, November 26, 2014, 2014
by Hobby King SPORTS WRITER
A year ago, and a year after going winless in 25 starts, the Orrick Bearcats registered six wins, including two in the I-70 Conference. But Jared McMahon has moved on after two seasons, and in steps Ben Thomason to take over the reins of the program. Thomason, who will be assisted by Seth Smith, will be leaning on returning starters Tanner Werle, a senior guard, and Griffen Har-
ris, a sophomore guard/forward. But the Bearcats will have to replace the doubledigit scoring by all-conference performer Mason Karnes. Thomason, who is a 2003 graduate of Olathe East High School in Olathe, Kan., and a 2007 graduate of William Jewell College in Liberty, also is counting on the returning experience of senior guard Dean Opoka and senior forward Tyler Crow to help them win games. Some of the newcomers
include junior guard Kagen Wartenbee, junior forward Bryar Martin and freshman guard Daylan Swartz. Thomason says the Bearcats will be young and inexperienced, especially at the point-guard position. “They will have to adjust to the speed and physicality of the varsity level,” he said. But he says the Bearcats have some shooting guards who are poised under pressure. “They can knock down open threes and drive to the basket when needed,” he
Cougars coming off tough season by Hobby King SPORTS WRITER
Philip “Flip” Courter had a tough season in his first at the helm of the Crest Ridge Cougars in 2013-2014. The Cougars were 2-22 overall and 0-7 in the I-70 Conference. They lost four starters from that team, so Courter is hopeful the one returning starter and some newcomers to the varsity scene can change their fortunes. The lone starter returning is junior guard Garrett Hoeper. Others back with some varsity experience include junior guard Connor English, sophomore guard Zach Ikerd, sophomore forward Kevin Robbins and sophomore forward Austin Summitt. Courter says each of them started at some point last season. English and Hoeper will split time at the point-guard position, according to Courter.
“Both are under-sized but very savvy and know how to run the show,” Courter, who is being assisted by Jake Vencill and Jared Werges, said. “Both will have to cut down on turnovers and improve their outside shooting. “They spent a lot of time in the gym in the off-season, and you can really see a lot of improvement.” When he’s not at the point, Hoeper will slide over to the shooting guard. “Ikerd will also see some time here as he’s our best perimeter shooter,” Courter said. He knocked down 40 percent of his three-point attempts last season.” Summitt and Robbins are likely to be the starters at forward. “We’re pretty young here with two sophomores being our only returners here,” Courter said. “They both have worked hard to get stronger and adapt to a more physical varsity game. They’ve also developed a nice face-up
game away from the basket.” Courter says having players with passion is a strength. “We have kids that love basketball and want to play hard and get better,” he said. “They’re some of the most coachable kids I’ve been around, too.” But not being very tall is a negative. “We’re very small at the guard spots and young in the post,” Courter said. “We don’t have a lot of experience again this year.” Courter says consistency will be important to success. “If we can get more consistency from our perimeter shooters and rebounds from our bigs, I think we’ll be pretty solid,” he said. “We had several key contributors from last year who just decided not to play. We have to overcome those losses in a hurry and not let it affect our start.” The Cougars have a roster of 18, including two seniors, five juniors and five sophomores.
said. Thomason is happy with the forwards. “They are athletic and quick,” he said. “They’re not the best of shooters, but they can get to the basket and hassle their opponent on defense.” He said the post players are very aggressive but not very experienced. “They know their role on the team,” he said. “They will give the maximum effort all of the time.” Thomason says the Bearcats will be versatile, especially on offense.
“We will be able to score in a variety of different ways using a variety of different players,” he said. “Our teams also seems to get along off the court, and you will usually see that carry over to play on the court. “I am also confident in our guards to handle the ball in pressure (situations). I do not anticipate a lot of unforced turnovers this season.” But he says the Bearcats will need to focus on rebounding. “We cannot afford to give up second and third op-
portunities to our opponent,” Thomason said. “If we work hard and force our opponent to miss a shot, we must secure a rebound. We struggled with that this summer, and it might be a problem for us this season.” Thomason says playing consistently will be important to success. “Constant effort, focus and attitudes will go a long way in accomplishing a lot of our team goals,” he said. The Bearcats have a roster of 19, including five seniors, five juniors and four sophomores.
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Shannon starts 22nd year coaching at Wellington
THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, November 26, 2014 — PAGE 13
by Hobby King SPORTS WRITER
Coming off a season where his team finished 1910 overall and second in the I-70 Conference with a 6-1 mark, 22nd-year head coach Todd Shannon has most of the team’s talent returning for another run at the league title. In fact, the Tigers lost no starters from last year,
which ended with a 51-47 setback to Stanberry in the quarterfinal round of the state tournament. That was after losing four starters to graduation from a team that also made it to the quarterfinal round of state play. The Tigers, who defeated Braymer 63-61 to claim a district title and North Andrew 56-40 in the sectional round of state play, have quality starters
returning inside and outside. Back as starters are Levi Banner, Drew Bunch, Alex Rodenberg, Tristan Green and Dallas Reynolds. Banner is the leading scorer returning, averaging 12.7 points per game. Green put up 11 points per game and Rodenberg 10.1. Shannon, who will be assisted by Bill Hughes, says the Tigers have the tal-
ent to do some damage. He said they are very experienced at point guard, that being Banner, who can stroke the three and drive to the hole. “He does a nice job of distributing the ball and can also score,” Shannon said. In assists, Banner paced the team at 3.9 per game. Rodenberg dished out 2.5 assists per contest. Shannon added the
Tigers have a “good group of shooters.” The Tigers aren’t the tallest under the basket, but Shannon says they make up for the lack of height with athleticism. “We have lots of returning experience and good depth,” Shannon said. Green averaged 6.3 rebounds per game and Bunch 6.2 and Rodenberg 4.3.
The bench depth he is talking about will come from Duncan Hughes, Aaron Schuster, Blake Gray and Luke Schaberg. Hughes had the best numbers from that bunch last year as he averaged 4.5 points and 2.1 boards per game. The Tigers have a roster of 23, including four seniors, six juniors and six sophomores.
could be hard to stop.” Kirk being back also is a plus as the shooting guard. “Nick Kirk can step up on nights and be a big threat,” Schrock said. “He needs to be more consistent.” Brandon and Moore return as the forwards. “Joey, Justin and the subs have the ability to be very physical,” Schrock said. “We are not tall, so they will have to work on footwork to be able to defend other posts.” Schrock also is expecting contributions from Carter Wright, Tyler Berry, Ryan Adams and Kyle Adams. “We will no longer be a young team,” Schrock said. “With 25-plus games under our belt together, we have experience now.”
Schrock said the Mules will have to overcome some shortcomings. “We’re still very undisciplined,” he said. “We have to work on being better with
the ball and work harder on defense.” The Mules have a roster that numbers 27, including two seniors, six juniors, two sophomores and two fresh-
men on the varsity. In order to be successful, Schrock says the Mules have to be smarter than the other teams. “We are very small all
around,” he said. “We also need to finish games. “If we do that, along with the basics, we will be competitive and hopefully successful.”
Mules return four starters to fold by Hobby King SPORTS WRITER
Heading in to his second year as the head coach of the Lone Jack Mules, Levi Schrock is hopeful returning four starters will improve their records of 10-15 overall and 3-4 in the I-70 Conference from 2013-2014. The lone starter lost to graduation was Cole Shope. Back as starters are Joey Brandon, Nick Kirk, Devon Deines and Justin Moore. Schrock, who is being assisted by Grant Brown, is upbeat to have Deines back to run the show. “Devon is a two-year experienced player,” Schrock said. “He will be a major factor in leading this squad. Devon is very skilled, and with some extra work, he
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Hurlock has all five starters back at Lone Jack PAGE 14 — THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, November 26, 2014
by Hobby King SPORTS WRITER
With all five starters returning for another season, second-year head coach Susie Hurlock is hopeful the Lone Jack
Lady Mules can improve upon their 5-21 record overall and 0-7 mark in the I-70 Conference last year. Alicia Bresette, Libby Lund, Taylor Meeks, Sam Osborn and Reese Radmacher return as starters.
They will be getting help from newcomers Mattie Eichelberger, Kennedy Hurlock, Malaina Kirk, Savannah Lyons and Abbey McManus. Hurlock, who is being
assisted by Kathy Elledge, says the Lady Mules playing as a team and never giving up are strengths. “I consider it a strength when any game it could be a different leading scorer,” Hurlock said. “As a coach,
those are teams that are hard to prepare for.” But she said leadership and scoring are weaknesses. “Defense and working together as a team,” Hurlock says are keys to hav-
ing a successful season. She also said a positive attitude and consistent effort will be keys, as well. The Lady Mules sport a roster of 20, including four seniors, five juniors and four sophomores.
claiming a district crown and finishing 23-6 after dropping a 65-59 overtime decision to North Andrew in the sectional round of state play. North Andrew went on to finish second in the state. Peters, a 1988 graduate of Braymer High School and a 1993 graduate of William Jewell College in Liberty, has to
replace four starters. Gone are Madison Winters, Shaina Cook, Madison Endsley and Sydnee McGlaughlin. The Lady Bearcats do have returning starter Sam Fulte to build around. Help will come from Madi Fulte, Peyton Cobb and Hannah Thurnau. Peters says help also could come from Paige
Smith and Karston Werle. Peters likes it that her point guards are young and very fast and the shooting guards are very confident.
She said the team should have plenty of quickness but is short on experience. “We are going to have to outlast our opponents,”
she said. The roster has only 15 on it, including two seniors, four juniors and three sophomores.
Peters replaces Comstock as head coach of Lady Bearcats
by Hobby King S PORTS WRITER
After 10 years of leading the Orrick Lady Bearcats’ basketball program, Mitch Comstock has stepped aside. In steps new head coach Tricia Peters. In Comstock’s final year as mentor, the Lady Bearcats were very good,
Hampton returns for seventh season as Lady Tigers’ mentor
THE CONCORDIAN, Concordia, Missouri, Wednesday, November 26, 2014 — PAGE 15
by Hobby King SPORTS WRITER
Returning for his seventh season as the head coach of the Wellington Lady Tigers, Andy Hampton is hopeful he can figure out a way to keep the good times rolling. The Lady Tigers won the I-70 Conference regular-season crown last year with a
perfect 7-0 record. They were 18-8 overall. He may have an easy job, in that all five starters return to the fold. Jennifer Rodgers and Monica Thornburg are back and will split time at point guard. “They both have great speed and are good on-theball defenders,” Hampton
said. Jaime Ruskey, Breanna Cooper and Kelsey Gray all will play the role of shooting guard at some point. “They all give us good athletic ability on the perimeter and can knock down the outside shot,” Hampton, who will be assisted by Heather Felix, said. Tori Florence returns at
forward. “She has really progressed and developed a very nice outside jumper,” Hampton said. “She can also go inside if we need her to.” Mikayla Lohsandt provides the height under the basket and Madison Thornburg the muscle. “They are both three-year lettermen that play very well
together,” Hampton said. “We are hoping for a huge year from them. “Abbie Thompson and Sammy Blystone are two very athletic posts that do a great job for us, too.” Hampton lists depth and experience as strengths for the team. “But we will have to make sure we stay disciplined
in everything that we do,” he said. “Sometimes we get going a little too fast with things.” Hampton said the Lady Tigers need to focus, play as a team and take care of the ball to be successful. Overall, there are 20 players on the roster, including six seniors, one junior and seven sophomores.
tion in Kennedy Dick. Back for Woolsey as starters are senior Whitney Hutcherson and juniors Kaylee Schmidli, Lily Hunter and Jamie Windholz. Others back with varsity experience include senior Makayla Sivils, junior Megan VanHarn and sophomore Timber Erisman. A newcomer who
could see some varsity time is junior Morgan VanHarn. Schmidli and Erisman will both serve some time as the team’s point guard, according to Woolsey. “They both bring great basketball knowledge and good outside shooting to our team,” Woolsey said. Windholz will serve as the primary shooting guard.
“She has really developed into a scorer,” Woolsey, who is being assisted by Mark Amos, said. “She is a tough competitor and a good defender.” Hunter will be the team’s post player. “She is a strong post player on both ends of the court,” Woolsey said. Woolsey also said Sivils and Megan Van-
Harn are good post defenders that gives the Lady Cougars experience inside. Woolsey says team speed, defense and experience are three positive attributes of this Lady Cougars’ team. “Learning to play an aggressive game and stay out of foul trouble,” will be keys for the Lady Cougars to have a suc-
cessful season, Woolsey said. “The team needs to play unselfish basketball. We have a lot of girls who can contribute, and it should be fun to be a part of.” There are two seniors, five juniors and four sophomores on a roster of 14.
Woolsey has four starters back at Crest Ridge by Hobby King SPORTS WRITER
Coming off a season in which her team went 1213 overall and 2-5 in the I70 Conference, seventh-year head coach Katie Woolsey is optimistic about the Crest Ridge Lady Cougars’ chances. The Lady Cougars lost only one starter to gradua-
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