COUNCIL ROCK SOUTH GIRLS’ BASKETBALL PREVIEW
Heach coach: Blair Klumpp (5th Season HC, 6th Overall with program)
Assistant coaches: Nina Dougherty (1st Year), Ray Horn (2nd Year), EJ Woolerton (1st Year)
Last year’s record: 9-7 Overall (5-5 SOL Patriot)
Notable losses: Nicole Blaustein, Carley Irvin (Wofford Lacrosse)
Key returners: Riana Szydlik (SR/F), Ryann Szydlik (SR/F), Jess Mangoni (JR/F *Out All Season*), Mia Stock (JR/F), Karissa Smedley (Jr/G-F All-Conference)
Others to watch: Darcy Leight (JR/G-F), Lily Bross (So/G), Cam Gregory (So/G), Katie Purpura (So/G), Haley Thompson (So/G-F), Jenna Waterman (So/G), Lil Metrick (Fr/G), Kathryn O’Kane (Fr/G), Fiona Reckner (Fr/G-F).
Question Marks:
-Replacing an all-league backcourt & their experience and leadership
-Who seizes opportunities?
Strengths:
- Overall depth
- Offseason of growth & development
-Balanced lineup with versatility
Outlook: “The biggest question mark is replacing not only the production of Nicole Blaustein and Carley Irvin (two all-league guards), but also their experience (both were four-year mainstays on varsity) and their leadership. I think the Szydliks (4-year varsity members) are showing positive leadership with their attitude and approach to the daily expectations early in the season. Karissa Smedley is a returning captain who we will need to grow in that role. We had great turnout for all our offseason workouts, so we are hoping to see the rewards of that throughout the season. Jess Mangoni was one of our top rebounders last year and someone who had the potential to be our leading scorer this year; Mia Stock did a great job of stepping up replacing some of that production in the fall. We have a lot of young girls (as evidenced by the list above) who we think can contribute and take some big steps this year. Lily Bross has taken the reins in the early going at the point guard spot; Katie Purpura, Cam Gregory, and Jenna Waterman all got some varsity minutes and contributed at times last year. Haley Thompson (returning from a season-ending injury last year), Darcy Leight, and our three freshmen (Metrick, O’Kane, and Reckner) are all working hard to earn minutes as well. The girls have done a great job adjusting to some staff changes (Ray Horn deserves recognition for doing a tremendous job being consistent and reliable during this offseason) as well as what is many of their first true high school basketball experience. I’m excited for the progress and growth of this group. Our division/conference crossover games will be a very good test as we compete against some very good teams who are well-coached, but we are looking forward to competing!”
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