2013-14 Girls Basketball Preseason Capsules

DIVISION I

ARBOR VIEW

Head coach: Donna Gentry, third season

2012-13 record: 19-6 (10-0 Northwest, first)

Returning letter winners (starters): Seven (five)

Top players: G Ariona Gill (Jr.), F Dana Lewis (Sr.), F Janae Strode (Jr.), G Caroline Rivera (So.)

Outlook: The Aggies had the best season in program history last year, capturing their first league title.

With seven players, including the starting lineup, back, the bar has been raised.

“We hope to win our division, make it to regional playoffs, and then go from there,” Gentry said.

BASIC

Head coach: Teresa Gallegos, 11th season

2012-13 record: 14-11 (4-6 Southeast, fourth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Three (two)

Top players: C Jayla Brown (Jr.), F Dana Deloney (Jr.)

Outlook: Brown and Deloney both could be among the Southeast League’s top players.

But the Wolves will need to find depth among a largely untested group to be competitive.

BISHOP GORMAN

Head coach: Sheryl Krmpotich, 16th season

2012-13 record: 21-10 (10-0 Southwest, first)

Returning letter winners (starters): Six (three)

Top players: F/C Raychel Stanley (So.), G Megan Jacobs (So.), G Sandria Bolden (Sr.), F/C Maddison Washington (So.)

Outlook: The Gaels return an impressive amount of size as Stanley (12.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game), Jacobs (6.0 ppg, 4.0 assists per game) and Washington (6.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg) all stand 6-feet, 2-inches tall.

But Gorman lost two huge pieces of their puzzle with the graduation of guards Tonishia Childress and April Rivers.

Finding capable ball handlers will be Gorman’s biggest key.

BONANZA

Head coach: Dan Savage, third season

2012-13 record: 12-11 (2-8 Southwest, fifth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Three (one)

Top players: G Acacia Williams (Sr.), G Jasmine Brass (Sr.)

Outlook: The Bengals narrowly missed qualifying for the postseason last year, and will have work to do with only three starters back.

“With only one returning starter, the Bengals will be looking for new ways to score the ball,” Savage said. “Defense will be key, and the team will look to control the tempo of the game.”

CANYON SPRINGS

Head coach: Dorothy Kendrick, fourth season

2012-13 record: 23-7 (10-0 Northeast, first)

Returning letter winners (starters): Seven (four)

Top players: G Cherise Beynon (Sr.), F Daijhan Cooks (Jr.), G LaKiya Yarber (Jr.), F Alexia Thrower (So.)

Outlook: Beynon is expected to be one of the best all-around players in the state this season, and has a more than capable cast around her.

The Pioneers’ lone drawback is their size, but they’ve still managed to rebound well against taller teams.

“We are a team that believes we could make a stronger impact this year,” Kendrick said. “We realize that defense will be the key to our future success.

“We are working harder to continue to build on the foundation this program has started since 2011 with the new faces on the roster and stronger talent.”

CENTENNIAL

Head coach: Karen Weitz, 15th season

2012-13 record: 26-5 (8-2 Southeast, second)

Returning letter winners (starters): Four (two)

Top players: G/F Teirra Hicks (Sr.), G Simone Barber (Sr.), G Paige Barber (Sr.), G Tramina Jordan (Sr.)

Outlook: The Bulldogs lost a big senior class and have just two starters back.

Hicks, a University of California-Irvine recruit, averaged 10 points and 8.0 rebounds per game last year and is joned by Paige Barber (10.0 ppg), Jordan (7.0 ppg) and Simone Barber (4.0 assists per game, 3.0 steals per game).

CIMARRON-MEMORIAL

Head coach: Michael Pape, first season

2012-13 record: 13-15 (3-7 Southwest, fourth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Four (two)

Top players: G Ashli Tyus (So.), G/F Shauntel Efferson (Jr.), G/F Taya Harper (Sr.), F Zaquae Downton (Jr.)

Outlook: The Spartans bring back four letter winners from a team that made its first playoff appearance in 11 seasons last year.

“We are a young, motivated team looking to build a foundation for success for this year and the future,” Pape said.

CORONADO

Head coach: Bill Crego, seventh season

2012-13 record: 19-9 (7-3 Southeast, second)

Returning letter winners (starters): Nine (one)

Top players: G Skylar Feldman (Sr.), G Dajah Washington (Jr.)

Outlook: The Cougars lost four starters to graduation, but bring back plenty of depth.

Washington averaged 7.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game last year and leads a list of returnees that also includes Feldman (5.4 ppg).

“This year’s team has a lot of experience and has played together for several years,” Crego said. “We expect to be competitive, and our goal is to continue our string of playoff appearances.

“There should be good depth on the bench and fierce competition for the top five spots.”

DEL SOL

Head coach: Bill Powell, third season

2012-13 record: 9-19 (2-8 Southeast, fifth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Four (two)

Top players: F Azhwalaee Oliver (Jr.), G Alina Marruffo (So.)

Outlook: The Dragons showed signs of progress last year, but have only four players back.

“We are going to be a young team, but we are a better shooting team and more athletic than in the past,” Powell said. “Depth is going to be a concern early in the season because our bench is not overly experienced.

“If we can overcome that, we should be competitive with most teams we play and hopefully compete for a playoff spot.”

DESERT OASIS

Head coach: Jessica Colston, first season

2012-13 record: 16-12 (5-5 Southwest, third)

Returning letter winners (starters): Zero

Outlook: It’s not very often a team experiences a complete overhaul, but that’s exactly what the Diamondbacks will go through without a familiar face in the program.

“It’s a rebuilding year,” Colston said. “It’s a brand new team, here to make a new name for ourselves under the direction of a new coach.”

DURANGO

Head coach: Bill Thompson, second season

2012-13 record: 11-14 (7-3 Northwest, second)

Returning letter winners (starters): Six (three)

Top players: F Jazmin Chavez (Jr.), G Maria Rico (Sr.), G Brittany Romo (So.)

Outlook: The Trailblazers return six players, including three starters from a squad that finished second in the Northwest League.

“We have a good core returning from last season, and we hope to build on last year’s playoff berth,” Thompson said.

FOOTHILL

Head coach: Eric Kruger, second season

2012-13 record: 18-10 (7-3 Southeast, third)

Returning letter winners (starters): Five (three)

Top players: G Taylor Turney (So.), G Katey Roquemore (So.), G Mikayla Yeakel (Jr.), F Tabitha Winward (Sr.), G Gabby Doxtator (So.)

Outlook: The Falcons return five letter winners, four of those in the backcourt.

Turney averaged 16.7 points and four assists per game on her way to third-team all-state honors and likely will be the focal point of opposing teams’ defenses.

Getting increased production from Roquemore (5.8 ppg), Yeakel (5.7 ppg) and Winward (4.3 points, 4.2 rebounds per game) will only help.

“We have a young and talented backcourt,” Kruger said. “The Falcons look to challenge for a postseason berth.”

GREEN VALLEY

Head coach: Eric Johnston, third season

2012-13 record: 18-11 (4-6 Northeast, fourth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Nine (four)

Top players: G Maggie Manwarren (Sr.), G Rianna Rudolph (Sr.), G Ellee Barton (So.)

Outlook: With four starters back, the Gators should be improved this season.

Manwarren averaged 18 points and three assists per game. Rudolph added 12 ppg, and Barton scored seven ppg last season.

“We are looking to compete for a league title and improve every day,” Johnston said.

LAS VEGAS

Head coach: LaShondra Rayford, second season

2012-13 record: 20-9 (7-3 Northeast, second)

Returning letter winners (starters): Five (three)

Top players: G Shaleea Butler (Sr.), G Bethany Banez (Sr.), F Talayia Teagues (Sr.), F L’Tiah Davis (Sr.)

Outlook: The Wildcats lost their two leading scorers from last season with the graduation of Shomari Harris and the departure of Matti Ventling. The duo combined to average 34.3 points per game.

Still, Las Vegas brings back some talent in Butler (10 points, seven rebound, six steals and three assists per game), Teagues (6.0 ppg), Banez (4.0 ppg) and Davis (3.0 ppg).

“We’re young and inexperienced, but athletic and quick,” Rayford said.

LEGACY

Head coach: Tiffany Richardson, eighth season

2012-13 record: 13-16 (2-8 Southwest, fifth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Five (two)

Top players: G Justice Akins (Sr.), C Markeshia Evans (Sr.), C/F Carolina Rahkonen (Sr.), G/F Charleea Armstrong (Fr.)

Outlook: Evans averaged 10 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks per game, and Akins pitched in 8.0 points, 4.0 assists and 4.0 steals per game.

They’ll be asked to lead a team that does not have overwhelming varsity experience.

“Overall we have five returners from last year’s team, hoping to redeem themselves from being only the second team in Legacy history not to make the playoffs,” Richardson said. “Carolina and Charleea will be nice additions to our team.”

LIBERTY

Head coach: Rich Santigate, second season

2012-13 record: 27-7 (10-0 Southeast, first)

Returning letter winners (starters): Six (three)

Top players: C/F Paris Strawther (Jr.), G Kealy Brown (Jr.), F Jamellia Clark (Sr.), C Jazmin O’Bannon (Sr.)

Outlook: The Patriots return three starters from the Sunrise Region title winning team.

Strawther averaged 11.4 points and 10 rebounds per game en route to all-state honors last year.

Liberty also welcomes back Brown (7.4 ppg, 2.6 steals per game, 2.0 assists per game), Clark (5.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and O’Bannon (6.0 ppg) to help on defense where Liberty allowed just 36 points per game last season.

“The Patriots have set their sights on challenging for a state championship,” Santigate said. “The Patriots will be one of the most versatile teams in the state.

“This year’s group will be even more defensive-minded with some very talented backcourt players to be added to the mix.”

PALO VERDE

Head coach: Phil Clarke, sixth season

2012-13 record: 8-15 (6-4 Northwest, third)

Returning letter winners (starters): Six (three)

Top players: G Nallah Thomas-McDade (Sr.), G Paulina Silcox (So.)

Outlook: The Panthers showed flashes of good play last season, but the loss of the team’s top two scorers to rival Centennial won’t be easy to overcome.

“We are a young team with not many players with game experience,” Clarke said. “We are looking to get back to the playoffs and improve on last year’s third-place finish in the league.”

RANCHO

Head coach: Ashley Vossen, first season

2012-13 record: 13-15 (3-7 Northeast, fifth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (three)

Top players: F Darje Martin (Sr.), F Miyah Wilson (Sr.), G Kanosha Grey (Sr.), C LaKissa Martin (Jr.), F Jada Wilson (Jr.), G Maureen Macato (So.), G Tatianna Lee (So.)

Outlook: Vossen takes over a squad that returns eight players after narrowly missing the postseason last year.

“We are looking for better results,” Vossen said. “We have a new coaching staff across the board, so the hope is we can bring some new life back to a very talented program.

“The team has veteran leadership, which will be relied on a lot, but it is also filled with a bunch of young players who will have the opportunity to establish their presence not only on the team but also in the league.”

SIERRA VISTA

Head coach: Lindsay Whalen, 10th season

2012-13 record: 6-21 (3-7 Northwest, fourth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Four (one)

Top players: G Ashley Davidson (Sr.), F Kennedy Nieves (So.), G Kelsey Jimenez (Jr.)

Outlook: Nieves averaged seven points and seven rebounds per game last year and leads a list of returnees that isn’t blessed with a ton of varsity experience.

Jimenez (4.0 ppg) and Davidson (3.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 2.0 assists per game) will be among those asked to boost the offense.

“We’re a young team, but working hard,” Whalen said.

SILVERADO

Head coach: Dean Bosch, third season

2012-13 record: 9-18 (1-9 Northeast, sixth)

Returning letter winners: Four

Top players: G/F Monet Salazar (Jr.), F/C Holly Messmer (Jr.)

Outlook: The Skyhawks return only four letter winners, including only two with significant varsity experience.

Salazar averaged 3.2 points per game, and Messmer chipped in 3.0 ppg last season. Both will be asked to add some offense.

“While we will be very young, we have a group of underclassmen who have had a lot of success at the freshman and junior varsity levels,” Bosch said. “We are hopeful that they will be able to continue that success at the varsity level.”

SPRING VALLEY

Head coach: Billy Hemberger, first season

2012-13 record: 3-16 (3-7 Northwest, fifth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Five (two)

Top players: F Jessica Rafay (So.), F Sam Meredith (Jr.), C Asiah Stone (Sr.)

Outlook: Hemberger takes over a team that has only two starters back and hasn’t experience success recently.

The Grizzlies, though, came close to making their first playoff appearance since 2006 last year.

“This will be a transitional year with a new coaching staff,” Hemberger said. “We are excited to be playing almost double the number of games from a year ago and look to accomplish something that has never been done in school history: win more than seven games.

“We have a young team and a bright future ahead of us. It should be a fun season.”

VALLEY

Head coach: Roger Hansen, fourth season

2012-13 record: 14-13 (5-5 Northeast, third)

Returning letter winners (starters): Five (three)

Top players: G Kennedy Wharton (Sr.), G Gabrielle Cabanero (Sr.)

Outlook: Wharton, who averaged 20.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.8 steals and 1.8 assists per game, was a third-team all-state selection and is joined in a solid backcourt by Cabanero (13.1 ppg, 3.2 apg, 3.6 spg).

“We have good experience from five seniors, but little behind them,” Hansen said. “The success of our team could match up with the development of six freshmen and sophomores.”

DIVISION I-A

BOULDER CITY

Head coach: Paul Dosch, first season

2012-13 record: 18-8 (9-3 Sunrise, first)

Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (four)

Top players: F Whitney Barlow (Sr.), G/F Jana Williams (Sr.), G Katlyn Daly (Jr.), G Alyssa Ybarra (Jr.)

Outlook: Dosch takes over a team that won the Sunrise League title and advanced to the state tournament last year.

Barlow, who averaged 15 points and eight rebounds per game is back to lead a team that also includes Ybarra (10 ppg, 3.0 rpg), Daly (6.0 ppg, 6.0 assists per game) and Williams (6.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 4.0 apg).

“I hope we are a very competitive team,” Dosch said. “We are well balanced. Our team goals are to win the league, regionals, and the ultimate goal is a state championship.”

CHAPARRAL

Head coach: Christopher McFarland, first season

2012-13 record: 19-7 (9-3 Sunrise, second)

Returning letter winners (starters): Three (two)

Top players: G Marcia Hawkins (So.), G Alejandra Macias (Sr.)

Outlook: McFarland takes over a squad that went 9-3 in league play last year, good for a tie for first (seeded second) with Boulder City.

“With only three returning players, the Cowboys look to build a strong foundation with our young and spirited team,” McFarland said. “We look to utilize our speed and tenacious defense to bring us back to the playoffs this year.”

CHEYENNE

Head coach: Kristal Cummings, second season

2012-13 record: 8-14 (7-3 Sunset, third)

Returning letter winners (starters): Three (two)

Top players: G Larice Harper (Sr.), F Bria Buchanan (Jr.)

Outlook: The Desert Shields return only three players from last year’s playoff team.

“Cheyenne will have a new look with a young and energetic team,” Cummings said. “With only three returners, Cheyenne will look for its defense to be a key aspect.

“We expect Larice Harper to play a tremendous role in our success as a playoff contender this season.”

CLARK

Head coach: Mike Moulchin, fourth season

2012-13 record: 12-15 (7-3 Sunset, second)

Returning letter winners (starters): Five (four)

Top players: Bobbi Floyd (Jr.), Bre Belsar (Sr.), Karlicia Stroughter (So.), Johnice Bland (Sr.), Monique Daniels (So.), Jenny Vasquez (So.)

Outlook: The Chargers aren’t exactly accustomed to riding the momentum of a good previous season.

Yet after qualifying for the postseason for the first time in eight years, Clark welcomes back five letter winners.

Included in that mix is Floyd, who could be one of the top players in the Division I-A Southern Region.

“We are looking to be league contenders this year,” Moulchin said. “We feel we have developed all the key positions over the the last three years, and after a heart-breaking playoff loss last year, we are looking to work hard to become one of the top teams in Division I-A.

“This is also the deepest group we have had since I’ve been at Clark.”

DESERT PINES

Head coach: Lonnie Cambell, first season

2012-13 record: 9-18 (5-7 Sunrise, fifth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Two (two)

Top players: G Chrystian Myles (So.), F Adrianne Jackson (So.)

Outlook: Cambell inherits a team that has little varsity experience and is made up mainly of sophomores and freshmen.

“We are a young team,” Cambell said. “Our expecations are to come out and play hard every night and never give up.”

FAITH LUTHERAN

Head coach: Jennifer Karner, eighth season

2012-13 record: 21-8 (10-0 Sunset, first)

Returning letter winners (starters): Five (two)

Top players: F Alex Wright (Sr.), F Morgan Hill (Jr.), G Dani Tharaldson (Sr.), G Haley Vinson (Jr.)

Outlook: The defending Division I-A state champions lost a ton to graduation, but bring back two starters.

Tharaldson averaged 5.4 points and 2.4 assists per game last year. Wright and Hill will be among those asked to pick up the slack in the post where the Crusaders lost Sam Leonard and Taylor Hammer to graduation.

MOAPA VALLEY

Head coach: Stuart Humes

2012-13 record: 15-11 (8-4 Sunrise, third)

Top players: Makayla Jackson (Jr.), Makendie Frei (Sr.), Emily Mills (Sr.)

Outlook: The Pirates were only a game behind first-place Boulder City in the Sunrise League last year, but lost four seniors.

Humes said he will look to Jackson, Frei and Mills for leadership and scoring.

“We have a few young players on the roster,” Humes said. “I’m really excited about this group. They have high character and are hard-working. My girls are aware of the challenges ahead of them and are preparing themselves every day to compete for a region championship.”

TECH

Head coach: Jaime Araiza, 10th season

2012-13 record: 2-20 (0-12 Sunrise, seventh)

Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (three)

Top players: G Clarissa Szluha (Jr.)

Outlook: Quite simply, the Roadrunners struggled last year, mostly due to offensive woes.

A year of experience should greatly help that.

“With a large number of returning players, we are hoping to turn things around,” Araiza said. “We have a good strong group of young players that have been working extra hard to hopefully come out and surprise some teams.”

VIRGIN VALLEY

Head coach: Chimane Creer, seventh season

2012-13 record: 18-7 (8-4 Sunrise, fourth)

Returning letter winners (starters): Five (three)

Top players: G Abbie Barnard (Sr.), F Becca Bramlage (Jr.), C Kourtney Metzger (Jr.)

Outlook: Barnard, who averaged 16.1 points, 3.8 rebouns, 2.6 steals and 2.8 assists per game last year, is one of the top returning players in Division I-A.

Metzger, a 6-foot-5-inch center, averaged 9.4 ppg and 6.5 rpg last year and is an imposing presence in the post.

“We will be a rather young team,” Creer said. “We are looking to improve our record from last year and become a higher seed in the Sunrise League. We are excited for the season to start.”

WESTERN

Head coach: Chip Nelson, first season

2012-13 record: 10-18 (4-6 Sunset, fourth)

Returning letter winners (starters): 10 (five)

Top players: F Rela Coleman (Jr.) F Destiny Gonzalez (So.), G Capricia Pierce (So.), G Guadalupe Herrera (Sr.)

Outlook: Nelson, who moves over from the boys program, inherits a team that returns its entire starting lineup.

Gonzalez averaged 11.6 points, 12.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game, and Pierce chipped in 12.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 2.0 assists per game. Herrera added 7.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 1.8 apg.

“With the addition of transfer Rela Coleman from Del Sol, Western will look to secure a playoff spot again this season,” Nelson said.

DIVISION III

THE MEADOWS

Head coach: Frank DeSantis, second season

2012-13 record: 13-10 (7-7 Division III Southern, fifth)

Returning letter winners (starters): 10 (four)

Top players: G Melaney Mayes (Sr.), F Anjali Daulat (Sr.), G Bailey Gosse (Jr.), F Missy Siegel (Jr.)

Outlook: The Mustangs came close to qualifying for the postseason last year, falling in a play-in game for the Southern League’s final spot.

Daulat, Gosse and Mayes all have the potential to be big scorers and lead a list of 10 returning lettermen. Siegel is the team’s top returning rebounder.

“We’re trying to make the playoffs,” DeSantis said. “Experience is a key, and depth is a plus.”

MOUNTAIN VIEW

Head coach: Randall Araujo, first season

2012-13 record: 4-22 (2-12 Division III Southern, seventh)

Returning letter winners (starters): Six (four)

Top players: G Rose Adkins (Jr.); G Kiley Murphy (Jr.)

Outlook: Araujo, a 2008 Mountain View graduate who played on the girls basketball team, is excited to take ove the program.

She said the Saints don't have much size, but are scrappy.

"I fully expect our team to make it to the regional playoffs," Araujo said. "Once their, it's anyone's game."

DIVISION IV

INDIAN SPRINGS

Head coach: Scott Hammond, 13th season