CLEVELAND, Ohio - Last year was a memorable year for girls basketball in the cleveland.com seven-county coverage area.
There were no state championship teams, but four teams made it to their respective Final Four, with Solon finishing as state runner-up in Division I and Gilmour doing the same in Division II. Wadsworth also made the DI Final four and Elyria Catholic made it in DIII.In addition, seven other locals made it to the regional level: Kenston, St. Joseph Academy and Strongsville in DI; Bay, Norton and St. Vincent-St. Mary in DII; and Cornerstone Christian in DIV.
What does all this mean? According to many area coaches, there may be a bit of a dropoff this season. But, as with every season, a new group of standouts will try to rise to the challenge.
Who are the teams to watch? This is the preseason cleveland.com Top 25 for girls basketball for the 2018-19 season:
1. STOW
Coach: Bob Podges (20th year)
2017-18 record: 22-4 (13-1, co-champions of Suburban League, National Division)
Returning starters: Emily Andrassy, 5-7, Sr., G, 9.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 3.6 apg; Lexi Petit, 5-5, Sr., PG, 7.8 ppg, 4.7 apg; Kira Philpot, 6-1, Jr., 3.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg; Lizzy Stefanov, 6-1, F, 13.1 ppg, 7.1 rpg.
Others: Lilee Carlson, So., G, 6.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg; Petra Tancinova, 6-1, Sr.
Outlook: Veteran coach Bob Podges returns lots of size and experience from a team that was the top seed in the Euclid District but lost to eventual state runner-up Solon in the district final. Stefanov, headed to Tulane University for volleyball, could reach the 1,000-point mark for her career during the season. An unknown factor is Tancinova, a foreign exchange student.
2. ELYRIA CATHOLIC
Coach: Eric Rothgery (11th year)
2017-18 record: 22-6 (11-1, champions of Great Lakes Conference)
Returning starters: Regan Schill, 5-6, Sr., PG, 3.6 ppg, 2.1 apg; Faith Williams, 5-6, Sr., PG, 11.3 ppg, 3.7 apg, 2.0 spg; Abby Winnen, 6-1, Jr., W, 6.8 ppg, 7.4 rpg; Ally Winnen, 6-1, Jr., P, 12.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg.
Others: Julia Allegretto, 5-6, Jr., G; Annika Bredel, 5-9, Fr., G; Kaylie Griffin, 5-7, Jr., G; Stephanie Griffin, 5-7, Jr., G; Emily Rapacz, 6-0, So., W.
Outlook: High expectations abound for Eric Rothgery's group that lost in the Division III state semifinals to eventual state runner-up Versailles. Williams, a Wheeling Jesuit commit, leads from her point guard position while the Winnen twins provide the size on the inside. The Panthers will continue to play their high-pressure, up-tempo style and see how far it takes them.
3. WADSWORTH
Coach: Andy Booth (14th year)
2017-18 record: 24-4 (13-1, co-champions of Suburban League, National Division)
Returning starters: Kylie Batey, 5-7, Sr., G, 4.0 ppg; Kacie Evans, 6-1, Sr., P, 7.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg; Taylor Leatherman, 5-10, Jr., W, 5.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg.
Others: Maria Busson, 5-10, Sr., W (missed last year with knee injury); Ally Echlinger, 5-9, Sr., P, 2.1 ppg, 2.0 rpg; E'Anna Won, 5-6, Jr., PG.
Outlook: The Grizzlies reached their second state Final Four in three years, falling to eventual state runner-up Solon, 52-31. Coach Andy Booth graduated five seniors from that team, all of whom are playing in college, and six letter winners return. This is a program that is strong every year, but the key to this season will be how will people who were role players last year handle stepping into larger roles. Batey is committed to Lawrence Tech, an NAIA school in Michigan, while Evans is going to Georgia for volleyball.
4. ST. VINCENT-ST. MARY
Coach: Carley Whitney (5th year)
2017-18 record: 19-8 (Independent)
Returning starters: Maria Dobson, 5-8, Sr., G, 8.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg; Jada Haines, 5-6, Sr., G, 10.0 ppg, 5.0 apg, 2.0 spg; Aubrie Marsh, 6-3, Sr., P, 10.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg.
Others: Tejzah Brooks-Hood, 5-7, So., G; Dream Cherry, 5-4, So., PG; Mackenzie Moss, 5-10, Sr., P; Samaria Murry, 5-11, Sr., P; Sophia Williams, 6-0, Sr., P.
Outlook: Three starters return from a team that reached the Division III regional final before falling to Gilmour, 57-36. The Irish have lots of height, with five players standing 5-10 or better. Haines, the point guard, is headed to NAIA institution Ohio Christian, while Marsh is committed to Ursuline College. Depth at guard will need to be developed, and with so much height Whitney might slow things down and press less while still being aggressive. Dobson led the team last year in steals and deflections.
5. SOLON
Coach: Trish Kruse (10th year)
2017-18 record: 26-3 (14-0, champions of Greater Cleveland Conference)
Returning starters: none
Others: Minah Ali, 5-6, Sr., G; Riyah Ali, 5-6, Sr., G; Rian Dortch 5-9, Sr., G; Nadia Gibson 5-6, Jr., G; Maria Leskovec 5-10, Sr., G; Kailyn McQueen, 5-7, Sr., G; Sami Rinicella, 5-10, Sr., G, 3.0 ppg; Hailey Weaver, 5-10, So., G, 4.0 ppg.
Outlook: This is going to be a true program year for Coach Kruse and the Comets. After finishing as state runner-up to Pickerington Central, Solon graduated its entire starting lineup, including 6-2 standout Valencia Myers, who is at Florida State. But word around the area is that the Comets had a young, athletic group waiting in the wings just raring to go, and now it's their turn. All things will revolve around Weaver, who is already getting big-time college looks as just a sophomore.
6. MEDINA
Coach: Karen Kase (6th year)
2017-18 Record: 15-10 (7-7 in Greater Cleveland Conference)
Returning starters: Lindsey Linard, 6-3, Jr., F; Madison Luthy, 5-9, Sr., G; Sarah McKee 6-1, So., F; Abby McMullen 5-11, Sr., G/F; Alexa Nau, 5-5, Sr., G.
Others: Olivia Bowser, 6-0, Sr., F; Mia Buzzelli, 5-8, Sr., G; Alysen Dwyer, 5-6, So., G; Haley Letner, 5-10, Jr., F; Rowan McDonald, 5-9, So., F; Angela Piloseno, 5-9, Sr., F; Hailey Seguin, 5-11, Sr., F; Elizabeth Stuart, 5-9, So., G; Erin Wojcak, 5-8, Sr., G.
Outlook: The top six players return for Coach Kase, led by Duquesne commit Linard. The Bees reached the Valley Forge district semifinals last year before falling to Berea-Midpark, 58-46. This group obviously has experience, but also lots of size and depth. Just how far Medina goes could depend on how much the role players step up. Could this be the year that Solon is knocked off the conference throne? Could this be the team to do it?
7. HOBAN
Coach: Scott Callaghan (8th year)
2017-18 record: 16-8 (8-2 in North Coast League, Blue Division)
Returning starters: Lonasia Brewer, 5-11, Sr., F, 15.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 2.0 bpg..
Others: Taylor Flannery, 5-9, Sr., G; TaNayja Gooden-Wesley, 5-5, Jr., PG; Megan Hutson, 5-11, Sr., F; Jackie Roberts, 5-10, Jr., F.
Outlook: If the Knights can stay healthy they could be a real force to be reckoned with, but that's been a huge problem in recent years. Hoban actually has two starters back from last year, but Emma Tecca, an Akron commit along with Brewer, is out for the season with a knee injury. Hutson started as a freshman but missed the last two years due to injury and Roberts started two years ago but missed all but five games last year because of an injury. In all, nine letter winners return from a team that was edged by Wooster in the Medina district semifinal, 65-64.
8. LAUREL
Coach: Tim McMahon, Jr. (5th year)
2017-18 record: 22-3 (Independent)
Returning starters: Claire Fedor, Sr., 7.4 ppg; Guiliana Marinozzi, Jr., 10.5 ppg, 4.7 apg, 4.4 rpg; Haley Thierry, So., 8.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 4.0 spg; Taylor Thierry, So., 11.3 ppg, 4.0 spg, 3.2 rpg.
Others: Emily Axener, Jr.; Caroline DeCicco, So.; Grace DeCicco, Sr.; Claire Kuhar, Jr.; Aubrey Schrimsher, So.; Anna Soeder, Jr.; Olivia Wenzel, Jr.
Outlook: Laurel has been one of the more successful programs in the area in the past few years, but it has only taken them so far in the postseason. Last year the Gators fell to St. Vincent-St. Mary in the Division II district final at Nordonia, 53-28. McMahon decided to upgrade his schedule in order to be better prepared for a late run, adding several DI teams as well as some of the better smaller programs in the area. The team has depth and balance. It is unlikely that Laurel will equal last year's record, but perhaps the schedule upgrade is what is needed to get over the hump.
9. OLMSTED FALLS
Coach: Jordan Eaton (5th year)
2017-18 record: 18-7 (14-4 in Southwestern Conference)
Returning starters: Shannon Carr, 5-5, Sr.; Clare Kelly, 5-8, Sr.; Allison Milligan 5-4, So.; Danielle Stevens 5-7, Jr.
Others: Lauren Galaska, 5-6, So.; Jessica Holcomb, Jr,; Kaitlyn Hradek, 5-7, Sr.; Nadia Khalaf, Jr.; Grace Simon, 5-10, So.
Outlook: The Bulldogs lack size, but last year that same issue didn't stop them from reaching the finals of the Elyria Catholic district before falling to eventual regional runner-up Strongsville, 51-45. They make up for their lack of height with tenacious defense. Kent State commit Kelly leads the way, but there's plenty of depth and experience on the squad.
10. GILMOUR
Coach: Julie Solis (1st year)
2017-18 record: 25-4 (now in North Coast League)
Returning starters: Annika Corcoran, 5-8, Sr., PG.
Others: Lizzy Bender, 6-0, Jr., F; Sophia DiPuccio, 5-8, Sr., F; Megan Duffy, 5-5, Sr., G; Madeleine Finotti, 5-7, So., G; Lexy Foster, 5-10, Sr., F; Juliana Grobelny, So.; Mariam Jallow, Jr.; Bella Mazzurco, So.; Ellie Morgan, So.; Jordan Nolan, 5-7, Sr., G; Maddie Puletti, 5-5, Jr., G; Lauryn Stover, Fr.
Outlook: This is the beginning of a new era for Gilmour girls basketball, as Solis takes the reigns after a very successful stint at Twinsburg, including two state titles. As the third coach in as many years, she will be asked to bring stability to the program. Gone are four starters from last year's Division II state runner-up, including last year's cleveland.com Player of the Year Naz Hillmon, now at Michigan. Corcoran is a Detroit Mercy commit. This senior class has made it to the state Final Four in three consecutive years. Who's to say there won't be a fourth?
11. AURORA
Coach: Erika Greenberg (11th year)
2017-18 record: 21-3 (12-0, champions of Suburban League, American Division)
Returning starters: Becca Crawford, 5-4, Sr., G, 3.0 ppg; Julia Mazanec, 5-5, Sr., G, 4.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg; Haley Ross, 5-6, Sr., G, 7.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg; Shayla Sellers, 5-11, Sr., G, 6.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 3.0 apg, 3.0 spg; Shyanne Sellers, 6-1, So., PG, 15.0 ppg, 9.0 ppg, 3.0 apg, 3.0 spg.
Others: Madi Burick, 5-6, Fr., G; Mika Dalton, 5-3, Fr., G; Katie Houlahan, 5-10, Jr., F, 2.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg; Dylynn Lasky, 5-6, Jr., G, 7.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.0 spg; Ashley Ruehr, 5-8, Jr., F; Ava Ryncarz, 5-6, Fr., G; Eliza Wykoff, 6-2, Jr., F.
Outlook: Five starters and nine letter winners return from last year's team that lost to John Hay, 69-65 in overtime, in a sectional final. But that's not the good news. The good news is that one of them is Shyanne Sellers. As a freshman she scored 15 points per outing and her game reportedly blossomed over the summer. In fact, as many as six Big Ten coaches were at an open gym at Aurora during the offseason. She and her older sister Shayla are daughters of Brad Sellers, the mayor of Warrensville Heights who played for Ohio State and had a long career in the NBA. It will be fascinating to watch her growth and to see how teams approach defending her. If the players around her keep defenses from teaming up on Shyanne, who knows how far this team could go?
12. CLEVELAND HEIGHTS
Coach: Karen Battle (4th year)
2017-18 record: 19-4 (11-1, champions of Lake Erie League)
Returning starters: Hannah Hicks, 6-0, Jr., F, 10.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg; Hayley Sims, 5-7, Jr., G, 12.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg; Jayden Weaver, 5-10, Sr., F, 9.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg; Iyahnna Williams, 5-8, Sr., F, 12.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg.
Others: Kennedy Clark, 5-0, So, G; Tomisha Pierce, 5-7, So. G; Shanya Rhodes, 5-7, Jr., F.
Outlook: The Tigers were upset by Nordonia last year in a sectional final, 58-42, which should provide fuel for the season. Battle likes to employ full court defense with lots of ball pressure. This team has good size and lists rebounding as one of its strengths. This could be the season that Cleveland Heights takes a big step up and competes with the top programs in the area.
13. EASTLAKE NORTH
Coach: Paul Force (11th year)
2017-18 record: 21-4 (14-0, champions of Western Reserve Conference)
Returning starters: Destiny Leo, 5-10, Jr., G, 18.0 ppg; Taylor Valaitis, 5-5, Sr., PG, 6.0 ppg.
Others: Abby Carter, 5-11, So., W, 14.0 ppg at Geneva; Avril Drew, 5-6, So., G; Maddy Hamilton, 5-5, Sr., W.
Outlook: With the graduation of the school's all-time leading scorer Samantha Pirosko, now playing for Gannon, North needs to develop its inside play. But in Leo, who was second team All-Ohio last year, and Carter, the Rangers should have a very strong 1-2 scoring punch. Eight players graduated from last year's team that was upset by Kenston in the Perry district final, 45-44. But enough talent remains for this team to possibly duplicate or even exceed last year's results.
14. CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN
Coach: Lisa Stopp (4th year)
2017-18 record: 20-6 (Independent)
Returning starters: Madison Cloonan, 5-10, Jr., 13.1 ppg, 8.0 rpg; Michaela Cloonan, 5-9, Jr., 12.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg; Lauren Harris, 5-6, Sr., 12.9 ppg, 2.0 rpg; Riley Stopp, 5-10, So., 9.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg; Kailey Tyna, 6-0, Jr., 10.1 ppg, 7.0 rpg.
Others: Aislyn Hurst, 5-8, So.; Alex Rosson, 5-5, Fr.; Kristen Suszek, 5-6, So.
Outlook: Don't make the mistake of overlooking the Patriots just because they are in Division IV. Cornerstone plays a very strong schedule, facing many of the best teams in the area. Five starters return from a team that was edged in the regional semifinal by New Washington Buckeye Central, 57-53. It's a game the Patriots believe they should have won, and they are determined to get at least that far this year to prove it. There's good size for a small school and enough depth to play pressure defense the length of the court.
15. JOHN HAY
Coach: Fred Howery (5th year)
2017-18 record: 20-5 (12-0, champions of Senate League)
Returning starters: Laurene Tere, 5-6, Sr., G; Amaya Maxie, 5-10, So., G/F.
Others: Khadazia Conner, 5-1, Sr., G; Danyel Crosby 5-4, Jr., G; Talasia Douglas, 5-11, Sr., F; Amara Hart, 5-5, Fr., G; Breasia Robinson, 6-4, So., C; Welline Tere, 5-5, So., G.
Outlook: Two starters return from a team that lost to top-seeded Stow in the Euclid district semifinal, 50-47. One of them is high-scoring guard Laurene Tere, who reached 1,000 points midway through last year and is getting some DI and DII looks. She will be backed by lots of youth—three sophomores and a freshman—including her younger sister Welline and the 6-4 Robinson. The team is young but physical.
16. BEREA-MIDPARK
Coach: Kevin Braaten (6th year)
2017-18 record: 21-4 (14-2, champions of Southwestern Conference)
Returning starters: Halle Davis, 5-7, Jr., 9.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.0 apg; Kayla Gudel, 6-1, Sr., 8.0 ppg, 10.0 rpg; Sydney Lantow, 5-6, Jr., 7.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg.
Others: Jenna Bycznski, 6-4, Fr.; Yesenia Kinsey, 5-5, Jr.; Lindsay Seballos, 5-7, So.; Athena Sevastos, 5-7, So.
Outlook: Berea-Midpark was very guard-oriented last year, but first team All-Ohioan Jada Marone and Lexie Scarton have graduated, so this will be a new-look version of the Titans. Last year they fell to St. Joseph Academy in the Valley Forge district final, 46-44. They still have good speed and will continue to pressure the ball, but offensively there will be much more looking to get the ball inside to Gudel, a Malone commit, and Bycznski.
17. CLOVERLEAF
Coach: John Carmigiano (15th year)
2017-18 record: 22-3 (school record for wins), 13-1 (co-champions of Portage Trail Conference, Metro Division)
Returning starters: Maddie Boltz, 5-6, Sr., G, 2.8 ppg; McKenna Jordan, 6-0, Sr., F, 10/7 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 2.8 bpg; Jenna Oliver, 5-7, Sr., G, 2.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 2.1 spg; Cam Tripp, 5-6, Jr., G, 5.6 ppg, 2.9 apg, 2.9 spg, 2.8 rpg.
Others: Bailey Freeland, 5-3, Sr., G; Meagan Scheck, 5-9, Sr., F; Sarasa Sivapatham, 5-4, Jr., G, Tori Smith, 5-10, Fr., F.
Outlook: Seven letter winners, including four starters, return from a record-breaking season, but the one graduated starter is All-Ohioan Helaina Limas, who averaged 20.9 points per game and is now playing for Ohio Christian. Plenty returns for the Colts, who fell to Bay in the Elyria DII district final, 27-25, but quality depth must be developed. Cloverleaf will continue to play its up-tempo style and plans to disrupt opponents with its quickness and length.
18. NORTON
Coach: Brian Miller (16th year)
2017-18 record: 19-6 (13-1, co-champions of Portage Trail Conference, Metro Division)
Returning starters: Kelsey Hosey, 6-0, Sr., W, 12.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 3.3 spg; Bryana Housley, 5-3, Sr., PG, 9.4 ppg, 5.6 spg, 5.4 rpg, 5.3 apg; Nicole Lester 6-1, Sr., P, 6.7 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 2.0 bpg.
Others: Madison Burns, 5-10, Sr., F, 4.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg; Logan Favor, 5-3, Sr., G, 5.0 ppg, 2.0 apg; Paisionce Harper, 5-11, Sr. W, 3.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg; Kaylee Murawski, 5-10, So., W.
Outlook: Eight seniors return from a program that is seeking its third consecutive district title, which would be a school record. Last year the Panthers lost to Bellevue, 71-60, in a Division II regional semifinal. There's plenty of size and versatility, with Hosey and Lester patrolling the paint and Housley controlling things out front. Housley already holds the school record for career steals and could claim the career record for assists during the season.
19. KENSTON
Coach: John Misenko, Jr. (2nd year)
2017-18 record: 18-8 (12-2 in Western Reserve Conference)
Returning starters: Rachel Apshago, 5-10, Jr., P, 8.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg; Marcie Oglesbee, 5-8, Jr., W, 8.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.0 apg; Rayonna Peterson, 5-11, Sr., P, 11.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg.
Others: Catara DeJarnette, 5-5, Fr., G; Eden Kesler 5-6, Jr., G; Mykaya Montgomery, 5-8, Sr., W; Kate Taylor, 5-5, Sr., PG, 5.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.0 apg.
Outlook: Much returns from a team that got hot at the right time, winning the first district crown in school history by a point over Eastlake North, a team that defeated the Bombers twice during the season. Leaders need to step up in order to make a return trip to the regionals, where Kenston fell to Massillon Jackson, 45-37, in a semifinal. Keep your eyes on freshman DeJarnette, whose father, Derrick, starred for Kenston in the late 90s and is in his first season as Kenston's varsity boys coach.
20. AKRON BUCHTEL
Coach: Brian Neugebauer (6th year)
2017-18 record: 15-9 (11-0, 1st in Akron City Series)
Returning starters: Imani Jackson, 5-4, Sr., G, 11.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.0 spg; Da'Veonna Nash, 5-4, So. Javaan Rogers, 5-8, Jr., G, 13.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 4.0 apg, 2.0 spg; Amiyah Stallings, 5-5, So.
Others: Kanai Chance, 5-9, So.; Leah Chatham, 5-6, Fr.; Deva Prince, 5-10, Jr.; Delainey Rucker, 5-4, So.; Ro'Naeza Saunders, 5-9, Sr.
Outlook: The Griffins are looking to repeat as city champions and advance further in the state tournament than last year when they lost to Norton, 60-47, in a Division II district final. Rogers was the Player of the Year in Akron and all four returning starters were named All-City (Rogers and Jackson 1st team, Nash and Stallings 2nd team), so there's lots of optimism in the Buchtel camp.
21. MAGNIFICAT
Coach: Danny Gallagher (2nd year)
2017-18 record: 3-21 (Independent)
Returning starters: Ailish Chambers, 5-8, Jr., F; Maura Robinson 5-10, Jr., F; Brenna Varga, 5-9, Jr., G.
Others: Clare Chambers, 5-8, So., G; Mollie LaSpisa, 5-8, Fr., G; Mary Spear, 5-8, So., G.
Outlook: The Blue Streaks suffered through a very difficult season last year, a combination of being very young and playing a very difficult schedule. This year will determine if the experience gained was worth the pain suffered. The season ended with a 54-31 loss to rival St. Joseph Academy in a sectional final. This team remains quite young and lacks height, so look for the Blue Streaks to spread the floor on offense and pressure the ball on defense.
22. ST. JOSEPH ACADEMY
Coach: Maggie Ferrando (9th year)
2017-18 record: 20-6 (now in North Coast League)
Returning starters: Lucy Lowe, 5-5, Jr., G; Molly Neitzel, 6-0, Sr., F.
Others: Charlotte Adler, 5-5, So, G; Gabbie Schafer, 5-6, So., G.
Outlook: Seven seniors graduated from a team that lost to eventual state runner-up Solon, 48-32, in a regional semifinal, so the Jaguars lack depth and experience. But it's not as if the cupboards are bare. Neitzel, an Akron commit (following older sister Colleen), provides a good combination of scoring both inside and outside, and guard play should be a strength. It will be interesting to see how SJA adapts to playing in the North Coast League.
23. EUCLID
Coach: Lynn Phillips (17th year)
2017-18 record: 6-17
Returning starters: Constance Chaplin, Sr., G; Alexus Reese, So., P.
Others: Mariah Childress, Jr., G; Taylor Curtain, Jr., G; Myah Goodman, So., G; De'Asia Huggins, So., F; Kaylonna Robinson, So., G; Jasmine Thomas, Sr. G; Lori Way, So., G; Destinee White, So., G; Iyanna Jenkins, Jr., P; Danayelle Johnson, Sr., F.
Outlook: There are only two seniors on the roster, so the Panthers are young and inexperienced. Chaplin was honorable mention All-Ohio last year and is one of the better players in the area. Euclid hopes to finish in the top three in the competitive Greater Cleveland Conference. If the Panthers are able to accomplish that it will be because of their speed, athleticism and defense.
24. AVON LAKE
Coach: Dave Zvara (8th year)
2017-18 record: 15-10 (10-8 in Southwestern Conference)
Returning starters: Amber Achladis, 5-4, Sr., G, 8.0 ppg, 5.0 ap;g, 3.0 spg; Allie Heschel, 5-11, Sr., F, 5.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg; Arianna Negron, 5-7, Jr., G, 10.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 4.0 spg.
Others: Grace Dean, 5-10, Jr., 6.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg; Emma Knick, 5-6, So.; Devin Medved 5-6, Jr., 4.0 ppg, 3.0 apg; Liz Murdock, 5-7, Sr., 2.0 ppg, 2.0 spg; Kelsey Simmerly, 5-7, Sr., 2.0 ppg; Lindsay Yurick, 5-11, Jr., 3.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg.
Outlook: Much returns from a team that made a postseason run to the district semifinals before falling to eventual regional runner-up Strongsville, 48-36. This group has good depth and quickness, which it will use in employing pressure defense. Some small colleges have come calling for both Negron and Achladis, who is on pace to graduate with 12 varsity letters.
25. NORDONIA
Coach: Julie Buckler (3rd year)
2017-18 record: 18-7 (9-5 Suburban League, National Division)
Returning starters: Madison Cluse, 6-0, So., 12.0 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 2.0 apg; Dominique Evans, 5-7, Jr., 3.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.0 apg.
Others: Hallie Majoros, 5-9, So., 5.5 ppg, 2.0 rpg; Sion Williams, 5-6, Sr., G.
Outlook: The Knights appeared to be on their way to a big season in which they would build upon last year's success of reaching the Euclid district semis before falling to Solon, 51-36. But those plans took a major detour recently when junior Lizzie Imrie, arguably the top returner, tore her ACL and will miss the entire season. So now the young Knights are in the process of regrouping and figuring out how to survive in a very competitive conference that includes Stow and Wadsworth. The team is still talented, but this is a major hit.
Other teams to watch (listed alphabetically)
Amherst; Bay; Buckeye; Chardon; East Tech; Independence; Kirtland; Lutheran East; Lutheran West; Orange; Ravenna; Strongsville; Twinsburg; Walsh Jesuit; Wellington.
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