2017-18 District 9 Girls’ Basketball Preview Capsules

2017-18 District 9 girls’ basketball preview capsules.

A-C VALLEY
Head Coach: Dave Sherman
2016-17 Record: 15-9 overall, 6-4 KSAC South (3rd place)
2016-17 Playoffs: Beat DCC, 44-36, in D9 1A Quarterfinals, Lost to North Clarion, 57-50 in D9 Semifinals; Beat Northern Potter, 59-47 in D9 Consolation Game; Lost to Bishop Carroll, 73-32, in PIAA First Round
Top Returning Players: Ellie Thompson (19.4 ppg, 2nd team All-District; 982 career points), Olivia Boocks (11.8 ppg), Kylee Eaton (8.2 ppg), Cami McNany (7.1 ppg), Annie Viertel (5.4 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: Staying Healthy; Offensive efficiency and execution; Good decision making.

AUSTIN
Head Coach: Kurt Logue
2016-17 Record: 0-22, 0-16 NTL (9th place)
2016-17 Playoffs: None
Top Returning Players: Jordan Brewer (6.4 ppg), Cerissa Glover (1.5 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: We have some good players returning and some young players who show some promise.(Note: Austin is trying to break a 66-game losing streak. Last win was 56-51 over Otto-Eldred Feb. 11, 2014).

BRADFORD
Head Coach: Bob Hannon
2016-17 Record: 3-19, 3-7 D9 League (Tied for 4th)
2016-17 Playoffs: None
Top Returning Players: Brinya Moffett (6.8 ppg), Erica Marshall (5.2 ppg), Taylor Smith (3.0 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: The key to the season will be how quickly the team finds its identity with the new faces and how soon the new players can get acclimated to the varsity level of competition.

BROCKWAY
Head Coach: Dick Esposito (He will coach his 400th high school game – combined boys and girls) this season
2016-17 Record: 9-14, 4-6 AML South (3rd place)
2016-17 Playoffs: Lost 61-30 to Smethport in first round of D9 1A
Top Returning Players: Leah Lindemuth (14.1 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 4.0 spg; Has 786 career points), Kaitlyn Morelli (12.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 4.0 spg), Maggie Schmader (0.9 ppg, 3.0 rpg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: Looking for good guard play from Morelli and Lindemuth as well as freshman Morgan Lindemuth (Leah’s sister); Play tough defense and pressure opponents offensive stats to disrupt them; Big key is getting consistent play out of two sophomores and two freshmen who Rovers will depend on; Speed on both ends of the court will be crucial to a successful season.

BROOKVILLE
Head Coach: Mark Powell
2016-17 Record: 6-16, 3-7 D9 League (Tied for 4th)
2016-17 Playoffs: None
Top Returning Players: Morgan Johnson (5.2 ppg), Marcy Schindler (4.3 ppg), Kira Powell (4.0 ppg), Madison Johnson (3.6 ppg), Jillian Taylor (3.4 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: Limiting turnovers while still creating turnovers on defense.

CAMERON COUNTY
Head Coach: Dave Sullivan
2016-17 Record: 8-14, 6-10 NTL (Tied for 6th)
2016-17 Playoffs: None
Top Returning Players: Alyvia McKimm (6.8 ppg), Amily Schatz (6.1 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: We have a strong freshmen class and will need contributions from them in order for us to be successful.

CLARION
Head Coach: Tracy Durish
2016-17 Record: 8-14, 4-4 KSAC North (3rd place)
2016-17 Playoffs: None
Top Returning Players: Wendy Beveridge (11.1 ppg), Kaitlyn Constantino (4.6 ppg), Saide Rudesyle (2.2 ppg), Ali Troese (0.6 ppg). (Note – Leading scorer Alexis Constantino, 16.2 ppg, decided not to play this season)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: Stick to the game plan; Limit turnovers; Stay positive.

CLARION-LIMESTONE
Head Coach: Gus Simpson
2016-17 Record: 1-21, 0-8 KSAC North (5th place)
2016-17 Playoffs: None
Top Returning Players: Maddy Craig (6.4 ppg), Morgan Clark (6.3 ppg), Anna Burns (2.4 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: Our keys to the season are to play hard and improve every quarter.

CLEARFIELD
Head Coach: Joey Castagnolo
2016-17 Record: 11-12, 6-8 Mountain League
2016-17 Playoffs: Lost to Punxsutawney, 37-30, in D9 4A Championship Game
Top Returning Players: Alayna Ryan (14.4 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: I have many young players at key positions to start the season. The team should improve as the season progresses.

COUDERSPORT
Head Coach: Brian Green (1st season back as head coach)
2016-17 Record: 23-2, 16-0 NTL (1st place; D9 2A Champions)
2016-17 Playoffs: Beat Port Allegany, 52-39, in D9 2A Semifinals; Beat Kane, 47-38, in D9 2A Championship Game; Lost to Leechburg, 55-51, in PIAA 2A First Round
Top Returning Players: Haley Keck (18.0 ppg, 2.0 spg, 1.5 apg; 1st team All-District), EmmaRae Easton (5.0 ppg), Shaelyn Black (3.3 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: The key for us is finding a fifth starter and some depth. We have some speed and a little size. Our biggest weaknesses are shooting and a lack of numbers. We will only have 14 total players for both varsity and JV.

CRANBERRY
Head Coach: Carrie Melat
2016-17 Record: 18-7, 6-2 KSAC North (2nd place)
2016-17 Playoffs: Lost to Kane, 38-27, in D9 2A Semifinals; Beat Port Allegany, 46-35, in D9 2A Consolation Game; Lost to Chartiers-Houston, 56-18, in PIAA Class 2A First Round
Top Returning Players: Malliah Shreck (12.3 ppg), Erin Merryman (12.3 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: Defense and taking care of the ball will be the keys to our season.

CURWENSVILLE
Head Coach: Bob Desmett (1st season)
2016-17 Record: 10-13, 2-8 AML South (4th place)
2016-17 Playoffs: Lost to Port Allegany, 60-46, in D9 2A Quarterfinals
Top Returning Players: Madison Weber (12.5 ppg), Mikayla Warren (1.9 ppg), Tarah Jacobson (1.7 ppg), Sabrina Spencer (0.5 ppg at DCC), Madison Olson (2 points in 21 games)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: Being a team and not individuals.

DUBOIS
Head Coach: Keith Kriner
2016-17 Record: 13-10, 6-4 D9 League (2nd place)
2016-17 Playoffs: Lost to Bellefonte, 42-36, in D6-8-9 5A Semifinals
Top Returning Players: Ashley Hallowell (16.8 ppg, 18.0 rpg, 22 double-doubles; 1st team All-District; 3rd team All-State Class 5A), Chelsea DeSalve (12.6 ppg), Sarah Snyder (3.5 ppg) (Note – DuBois added Caitlin Drahushak, a transfer from DCC, who averaged 2.1 ppg last year for the Lady Cardinals)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: Getting production from the entire lineup and hopefully keeping everyone healthy. We are looking forward to building on last season’s success and planning a few new wrinkles.

DUBOIS CENTRAL CATHOLIC
Head Coach: Jordan Hoover (1st season)
2016-17 Record: 14-9, 8-2 AML South (1st place; Lost to Kane, 54-34, to Kane in AML Semfiinals)
2016-17 Playoffs: Lost to A-C Valley, 44-36, in D9 Class 1A Quarterfinals
Top Returning Players: Ashley Wruble (1.3 ppg), Alyssa Bittner (1.6 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: We have a good amount of athletes and will use our depth. The key will be how quickly we can pick up and execute our system because we are inexperienced. Once they do learn, we have a great deal of upside.

ELK COUNTY CATHOLIC
Head Coach: Ken Pistner
2016-17 Record: 16-9, 5-5 D9 League (3rd place), 8-2 AML North (1st place, won tiebreaker over Kane; Beat Ridgway, 60-40, in AML Semifinals; Beat Kane, 40-34, in AML Championship Game)
2016-17 Playoffs: Lost to Otto-Eldred, 52-46, in D9 1A Quarterfinals
Top Returning Players: Josie Smith (7.6 ppg), Taylor Newton (5.6 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: Keys to the season are being able to utilize our speed to offset our lack of size and to develop team chemistry.

FOREST AREA
Head Coach: Staci Blair
2016-17 Record: 8-14, 2-6 KSAC North (4th place)
2016-17 Playoffs: None
Top Returning Players: Jasmine Ginnery (6.8 ppg), Bianca Hetrick (5.4 ppg), Makiya Bellotti (4.2 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: Taking care of the basketball.

JOHNSONBURG
Head Coach: Mike King
2016-17 Record: 13-10, 5-5 AML North (3rd place)
2016-17 Playoffs: Lost to Northern Potter, 50-32, in D9 1A Quarterfinals
Top Returning Players: Cassidy King (9.8 ppg), Lindsey Kocjancic (2.8 ppg) (Note: Skylar Sherry, the third-leading scorer from last year at 8.7 ppg may miss the season with an injury)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: Coming together as a team and taking care of the little things.

KANE
Head Coach: Dave Kiehl
2016-17 Record: 20-7, 8-2 AML North (Tied for 1st with ECC; Lost tiebreaker; Beat DCC, 54-34, in AML Semifinals; Lost to ECC, 40-34, in AML Title Game)
2016-17 Playoffs: Beat Cranberry, 38-27, in D9 2A Semifinals; Lost to Coudersport, 47-38, in D9 2A Championship Game; Lost to Bishop Guilfoyle, 52-45, in PIAA Class 2A First Round.
Top Returning Players: Ella Marconi (14.4 ppg, 10.0 rpg; 2nd team All-District; 660 career points as a junior), Trinity Clark (13.4 ppg; 881 career points), Rachael Morgan (8.1 ppg), Hanna Buhl (4.5 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: We have quality experience coming back and plenty of young talent.

KARNS CITY
Head Coach: Steve Andreassi (1st season)
2016-17 Record: 19-6, 9-1 KSAC South (tied for 1st place lost tiebreaker to Moniteau; District 9 Class 3A Champions)
2016-17 Playoffs: Beat Moniteau, 36-35, in D9 3A Championship Game; Beat Seneca, 61-49, in PIAA Class 3A First Round; Lost to Neshannock, 46-38, in PIAA 3A Second Round
Top Returning Players: Emily Hegedus (17.0 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 3.8 apg, 3.3 spg; 1st team All-District; 1,142 career points), Livia Andreassi (4.8 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: The key to our season will be how the underclassmen respond to being in the moment.

KEYSTONE
Head Coach: Barry Foust
2016-17 Record: 9-13, 3-7 KSAC South (4th place)
2016-17 Playoffs: None
Top Returning Players: Taylor Geer (18.6 ppg; 2nd team All-District; 916 career points), Makenzie Byerley (5.8 ppg), McKenzie Hovis (5.1 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: The most important key for us is to stay away from the injury bug. Also, we have a very good group of young kids who are inexperienced. They need to just play together. The more they play together and get to know each other the more organized we will become which could lead us to a successful season.

MONITEAU
Head Coach: Dee Arblaster
2016-17 Record: 19-5, 9-1 KSAC South (1st place; Won tiebreaker over Karns City; Lost to North Clarion, 44-43, in KSAC Championship Game)
2016-17 Playoffs: Lost to Karns City, 36-35, in D9 3A Championship Game
Top Returning Players: Emma Bair (8.5 ppg), Izzy Bair (2.1 ppg), Andie Arblaster (1.8 ppg), Kristen Auvil (1.6 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: We will rely on Emma Bair’s experience to help our younger players. We will rely on Andie Arblaster to handle the point, for Izzy Bair on defense and Kristen Auvil on offense. Controlling the tempo of the game will be important for us.

NORTH CLARION
Head Coach: Terry Dreihaup (District 9 Coach of the Year)
2016-17 Record: 26-3, 8-0 KSAC North (1st place; Won KSAC title with 44-43 win over Moniteau; District 9 Class 1A Champions)
2016-17 Playoffs: Beat Smethport, 48-32, in D9 1A Quarterfinals; Beat A-C Valley, 57-50, in D9 1A Semifinals; Beat Otto-Eldred, 53-40, in D9 1A Championship Game; Beat Sewickley Academy, 57-38, in PIAA 1A First Round; Beat Cornell, 68-58, in PIAA 1A Second Round; Lost to Bishop Carroll, 58-49, in PIAA 1A Quarterfinals
Top Returning Players: Tori Obenrader (23.6 ppg, 15.8 rpg, 3.2 apg, 2.0 spg, 1.0 bpg; 28 double-doubles; School-record 684 points; Has 1,436 career points; Gannon commit; District 9 Player of the Year; Class 1A First-Team All-State), Abbey Gatesman (5.7 ppg), Gabby Carll (2.0 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: Defense; Rebounding; Tempo Control.

NORTHERN POTTER
Head Coach: Cindy Cowburn
2016-17 Record: 19-7, 12-4 NTL (Tied for 2nd place)
2016-17 Playoffs: Beat Johnsonburg, 50-32, in D9 1A Quarterfinals; Lost to Otto-Eldred, 52-45, in D9 1A Semifinals; Lost to A-C Valley, 59-47, in D9 1A Consolation Game; Lost to Winchester Thurston, 55-24, in PIAA 1A First Round
Top Returning Players: Kalie Cowburn (15.7 ppg; Third-team All-District; 829 career points), Mikayla Lewis (5.4 ppg), Rebecca Morgan (4.0 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: The key to our season is to stay healthy and injury free.

OSWAYO VALLEY
Head Coach: Kelly Rice
2016-17 Record: 6-15, 2-14 NTL (8th place)
2016-17 Playoffs: None
Top Returning Players: Shayla Bickel (15.1 ppg), Karina West (4.1 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: The key is for our younger players to step in and excel in new roles.

OTTO-ELDRED
Head Coach: Bard Close
2016-17 Record: 18-9, 12-4 NTL (Tied for 2nd place)
2016-17 Playoffs: Beat Elk County Catholic, 52-46, in D9 1A Quarterfinals; Beat Northern Potter, 52-45 in D9 1A Semifinals; Lost to North Clarion, 53-40, in D9 1A Championship Game; Beat West Greene, 61-57, in PIAA First Round; Lost to Kennedy Catholic, 72-34.
Top Returning Players: Camryn Thomas (16.0 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 16 double-doubles; First Team All-District 9 selection; Third-team All-State Class 1A; 921 career points), Allison Cousins (9.5 ppg), Haylee Frederick (4.8 ppg), Alyssa Shelander (4.7 ppg), Emily Smith (4.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: I really think the key is being able to put pressure on people and being able to execute under pressure alone with controlling the tempo; Staying healthy is always a goal; We will be looking to score more consistently.

PORT ALLEGANY
Head Coach: Jason Luther
2016-17 Record: 14-11, 9-7 NTL (Tied for 4th place)
2016-17 Playoffs: Beat Curwensville, 60-46, in D9 2A Quarterfinals; Lost to Coudersport, 52-39, in D9 2A Semifinals; Lost to Cranberry, 46-35, in D9 2A Consolation Game
Top Returning Players: Cailey Barnett (12.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg; District Rookie of the Year), Erin Stauffer (5.4 ppg), Leah Garzel (3.3 ppg), Brianna Roys (2.8 ppg), Jenna Sprankle (2.7 ppg),
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: Defense; Competing each day; Togetherness.

PUNXSUTAWNEY
Head Coach: Mike Carlson
2016-17 Record: 19-4, 10-0 D9 League (1st place; D9 4A Champions)
2016-17 Playoffs: Beat Clearfield, 37-30, in D9 4A Championship Game; Beat Central Valley, 46-40, in PIAA 4A First Round; Lost to Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic, 59-29, in PIAA 4A Second Round
Top Returning Players: Leah Miller (16.3 ppg, 15.0 rpg, 17 double-doubles; First-team All-District; Third-team All-State Class 4A; 669 career points), Kate Horner (12.8 ppg), Elyse White (4.3 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: Our key is to get our experienced returning varsity players to play well with our inexperienced players. We also need to develop a deep roster as the season progresses.

REDBANK VALLEY
Head Coach: Chris Edmonds (1st year)
2016-17 Record: 6-16, 2-8 KSAC South (5th place)
2016-17 Playoffs: None
Top Returning Players: Lexi Holt (14.1 ppg), Madeline Marshall (3.1 ppg), Tara Hinderliter (2.9 ppg), Aubrie Copenhaver (0.6 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: The keys to the season are to play good defense and come together as a team.

RIDGWAY
Head Coach: Kyle Gordon
2016-17 Record: 9-14, 5-5 AML South (2nd place; Lost to ECC, 60-40, in AML Semifinals)
2016-17 Playoffs: None
Top Returning Players: Emily Fullem (17.7 ppg, 12.2 rpg; 3rd team All-District), Casey Woodford (6.2 ppg), Karley LaBenne (3.0 ppg), Alyssa Kasmierski (2.9 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: We are looking to continue the momentum from the end of the season last year and from the off season. The key to our success is to cut back on turnovers compared to last year and to get at least two girls in double-digit scoring.

ST. MARYS
Head Coach: Leona Ho’ohuli
2016-17 Record: 9-13, 3-7 D9 League (Tied for 4th)
2016-17 Playoffs: None
Top Returning Players: Kaylee Muccio (5.6 ppg), Megan Quesenberry (5.4 ppg), Bekka Bauer (4.8 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: The keys to our season are defense, continued improvement and the ability to compete.

SHEFFIELD
Head Coach: Brandon Troutman
2016-17 Record: 2-20, 0-10 AML North (4th place)
2016-17 Playoffs: None
Top Returning Players: Lexi Lyon (7.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg), Mya Grubbs (4.0 ppg), Marissa Grubbs (2.5 ppg) Eliza Davidson (2.5 ppg).
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: Our key to the season is going to be effort and doing the little things the right way, which go hand-in-hand. If we strive to nail down the basics and do them well, we will be competitive. We had the most productive offseason and preseason since I’ve been at the helm and I’m hoping the experience gained in the summer, as well as the competition in practice thus far, will allow is to take the next step in building the program. But, it will come down to doing the little things correctly and our effort in getting them down.

SMETHPORT
Head Coach: Eric Lutz
2016-17 Record: 11-13, 6-10 NTL (Tied for 6th place)
2016-17 Playoffs: Beat Brockway, 61-30, in D9 1A First Round; Lost to North Clarion, 48-32, in D9 1A Quarterfinals
Top Returning Players: Abbey Woodard (21.0 ppg; 2nd team All-District), Emily Treat (9.2 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: Stay healthy. We only have 10 players and five are freshman who have very limited playing experience. As the season progresses, ny expectations are high for the three seniors who will have to step up while the other two sophomore starters gain knowledge and experience at the varsity level.

UNION
Head Coach: Ally Kepple (1st season)
2016-17 Record: 7-14, 1-9 KSAC South (6th place)
2016-17 Playoffs: None
Top Returning Players: Frankee Remmick (10.4 ppg), Hannah Atzeni (7.0 ppg), Bryn Davis (4.0 ppg), Marli Hawk (1.1 ppg)
Coach’s Key(s) to Season: The key to the season would be defense. We need to hold opponents.