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MVP Girls Basketball Preview 2010
By Jim Dabbelt, Executive Director of The Dabbelt Report
A complete look at the current girls basketball season. It’s still early. Get educated.
MVP’S TOP PLAYERS
Kelley Austria, 5-8, Jr., Carroll – Outstanding guard who is among the elite players in the state in her class. Very good handles, lock down defender and can shoot the three ball well. She is among the top two junior players in the Dayton area (other being Brooke Pumroy).
Rebecca Bruner, 6-0, Sr., Springfield Northwestern – Went from being truly a “stand in the paint” post player to now expanding her game to the perimeter. Will be attending IUPFW next season on scholarship, and looks to be a key player in the CBC.
Rebecca Burch, 5-8, Sr., Anna – Very solid combo guard for the Lady Rockets, Burch is one of the most underrated players in the region. Hard-nosed player, outstanding shooter, and aggressive. Has the ability to get to the next level.
Shelby Carpenter, 5-8, Jr., Miami Valley School – Will be expected to expand her game this year offensively. Carpenter excels in an uptempo-style of play, can run the floor well, and has developed a pull-up jumper.
Leisha Crawford, 5-10, Jr., Bellbrook – Very strong competitor, always thinks pass before her own scoring. She makes others around her better, and is a tenacious defender.
Whitney Dabbelt, 6-0, Sr., Alter – No relation to yours truly, Whitney is known for her post defense. Possibly the best post defender in the area, she looks to improve her overall game this year. Verballed to Walsh.
Chelsea Farrell, 6-1, Sr., Fenwick – Outstanding athlete who uses has a great ability to drive or slash past bigger defenders. Outstanding shot blocker, and can hit the three.
Alexis Murphy, 5-8, Jr., Carlisle – Hard working combo guard, best suited to play the off-guard spot. Very quick, strong three shooter, and can handle the ball. Will heavy graduation last season, Murphy will have to increase her scoring production.
Ally Malott, 6-3, Sr., Middletown Madison – One of the top two seniors in Ohio, Malott is a matchup nightmare. At 6-foot-3, she will play the perimeter, even bring the ball up court. She’s the best player in Southwest Ohio in any class. Malott and Raven Ferguson (Harvest Prep/Ohio State commit) are the top two seniors in Ohio.
Mariah Harris, 5-10, Jr., Kenton Ridge – Sleek combo guard who looks to take her game to the next level. Big-time prospect, who should take center stage at KR this season.
Andrea Hoover, 5-9, Sr., Spring Valley Academy – Simply put, the best player in the immediate greater Dayton area. Creates her shots well, aggressive and lights out from the perimeter. Headed to the University of Dayton.
Kayla Linkous, 5-11, Jr., New Madison Tri Village – Known for her 61-point performance in the post-season last year, “KJ” is a dominant force in the paint. Very difficult to stop around the basket.
Raytea Long, 6-1, Jr., Chaminade Julienne – Very intense rebounder, and a deceptively quick first step to the basket. Physically strong player who controls the paint. Looking for her time to shine at CJ.
Janel Olberding, 5-10, Sr., Fort Loramie – The big question, track or hoops in college? She could do either, and be successful. Long point guard, great floor leader.
Brooklyn Pumroy, 5-9, Jr., Fairborn – Pumroy is the area’s top junior, and runs the show on offense. Flashy player, great distributor, can hit the three. Quick defender, can cause turnovers.
Bianca Quisenberry, 5-7, So., Tecumseh – Quisenberry has exploded onto the scene, and is the top sophomore in Southwest Ohio. Explosive off the dribble, and nobody outworks her. Ranked Top 100 in the nation in her class.
Olivia Schretzman, 6-1, Sr., Springboro – Already decided to attend Army starting next year. A very solid, big guard who can handle the ball, shoot well outside, and is very athletic. Leader of a very talented Springboro squad.
Katie Schubert, 5-11, Jr., Springboro – The key for Schubert is keeping her healthy. She missed half the season last year with an injury, and continues to fight with them. Division I prospect, outstanding shooting guard.
Ellen Smith, 6-2, Sr., Oakwood – A true student of the game, Smith already has chosen Ohio University to continue her collegiate basketball career on scholarship. A ton of potential, athletic and can run the floor well. Best part of her game is her defense.
Breanna Stucke, 6-0, Sr., Tippecanoe – Causes matchup problems at this level, as she will drain the three overtop the defense. Improving every year, Stucke will be playing her college basketball at Wright State.
Brianne Thornton, 5-9, Sr., Xenia – One of the most explosive players in the area, Thornton is a pure scorer. She has a great first step to the basket, and will be the main threat for the Buccs this season.
Brooke Trauthwein, 6-1, Sr., Oakwood – Working hard all the time to become better. Can play a taller guard spot with her strong outside shooting.
Jaymee Veney, 6-1, Sr., Fairborn – Very strong force around the basket, Jaymee has added the perimeter to her game. Has chosen St. Francis (NY) to attend college and play basketball, she is expecting a very solid year for her senior year.
Chelsea Welch, 5-9, So., Fairmont – The lone returner for the Firebirds, Welch has improved her game and looks to take it to the next level. Good handles with good size and strength. She will have some good young weapons with her on the floor this year.
Delaney Wolf, 5-11, Sr., Minster – One of the top players in the northern Miami Valley, Wolf has improved her outside game to become a more dangerous player from all spots on the floor. Very physical and strong player. Athletic.
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MVP’S TOP TEAMS
DIVISION I
Centerville: Youth will be served in Centerville, as the Lady Elks will be loaded with talented younger players in their quest to compete for a league title. Senior Kristen Bruggeman (5-8) returns as a first-team GWOC player, and will be alongside fellow all-conference players Spencer Gray (5-6 Sophomore) and Alex Henning (5-8 Sophomore). Kori Faul (5-8 Junior) comes to Centerville from Miami Valley School, and is a huge three-point threat. Watch for some freshman to possibly make an impact.
Fairborn: After capturing the GWOC South title last season, the Skyhawks return everyone in their quest for a repeat. Seniors Jaymee Veney (6-0) will be attending St. Francis (NY) to play her college basketball, while classmates Chelsea Reed (5-7), Candice Alexander (5-10) and Brianna Breeding (5-10) will all make strong contributions. Junior Brooklyn Pumroy (5-7) and sophomore Alexis Gassion (5-10) are both elite players. They also have a couple of move-ins Amanda and Brianna Gladney.
Fairmont: Advanced to the state Final Four last season, but lost four starters, including 6-2 post player Cassie Sant, now at the University of Dayton. Back to lead the Lady Firebirds will be first-team all-GWOC player Chelsea Welch (5-9 Sophomore), who returns with Kelly Hart (5-6 Senior) and Alona Skipper (5-9 Sophomore) to lead the attack. Several young players will look to contribute this season, including long-awaited freshman Kathryn Westbeld (6-0) and Makayla Waterman (6-2).
Springboro: The Panthers return most of their team from last season, including 6-1 senior Olivia Schretzman, who has decided to attend Army after graduation to continue her career. She will get plenty of help, including a very talented junior class, including Jordan Trimarco (5-10), Megan Graber (5-8), Katie Schubert (5-10) and Ashley Morrow (5-8). Sophomore Jenny DeGraaf (6-0) had a terrific summer, and looks to make big strides this season.
Troy: The Lady Trojans look for a GWOC North division title, and they have some talented players to do so. Seniors Julia Wood (5-7) and Erin Yenney (5-9) are scheduled to return as all-conference players. Watch for junior Chelsey Sakal (5-7 Junior) and Kristen Wood (5-6 Sophomore) to make an impact. The division is up for grabs, and they are primed for the title.
DIVISION II
Alter: Success is no stranger to the Lady Knights. After making it a tradition recently to play in Columbus in March, Alter hopes to get back. Whitney Dabbelt (6-0 Senior, Walsh) will return, as a key post defender for the Knights. Also returning will be seniors Courtney Christie (5-7) and Kaila Howe (5-6), along with juniors Allison Bockrath (6-0) and Katie Billinski (5-6), while at presstime, it’s unknown if Megan Courtney (6-1 Junior) will play, after coming off a knee injury.
Bellbrook: Their sophomore and junior classes will be very strong at Bellbrook, as they are the clear favorite in the SWBL. Juniors Leisha Crawford (5-7) and Shelby Sigman (5-8) headline the 2012 class, but they will get help from a trio of talented sophs. Erin Dorn (5-9), Gabrielle Etter (5-9) and Kelly Neumann (5-11) round out a very solid five for the Eagles.
Carroll: It may not take long for this team to establish themselves as the top team in the division. They have six players all among the top players in the Dayton area. Seniors Ciara Triplett (6-7, Wright State recruit) and Molly McGloin (5-6) brings experience to the court, while junior Kelley Austria (5-7 Junior) is a solid college prospect. They also have three fast-rising sophomores to watch, including Ciara Poppa (5-11), Susan Wollenhaupt (5-11) and Lindsey Blanford (5-9).
Chaminade Julienne: Samarie Walker has graduated, meaning the Lady Eagles must create a new identity. They seem ready to do that. They have three key returning players in Emily Michael (5-8 Junior), Raytea Long (6-0 Junior) and Simmone Gage (5-3 Junior). All three have a lot of experience. Krista White (5-8 Junior) will be an impact player this year, and watch for Madison Brock (6-0 Junior).
Kenton Ridge: Per the usual, the Lady Cougars make an appearance in the top 5 in Division 2. They lost some key players from their district appearance, but returns solid Division One college prospect Mariah Harris (5-10 Senior), and will get help from talented Lindsey Fenwick (5-10 Senior), along with post player Brooke Purvis (5-10 Senior). Lonnie Lassiter has moved to Columbus East for her senior year. They have also added Morgan Walton from Urbana, and a key incoming freshman Stephanie Davis (5-6).
Tippecanoe: The defending CBC champions did lose some key players to graduation, but returns several talented ones. Senior Breanna Stucke, a 6-0 Wright State recruit looks to lead the Lady Red Devils, but the returning CBC Player of the Year will have weapons with her. Fellow senior Amanda Calhoun (6-0) looks to solidify the post, while juniors Ellise Sharpe (5-10) and newcomer Morgan Miller (5-7, move in from Miami East) will handle the guard duties. An improved sophomore Erica Comer adds to the strength.
DIVISION III
Anna: Look for Anna to have the most complete talent in the area in Division Three, including a deadly trio of offensive weapons. Senior Rebecca Burch (5-8) returns as the top player in the Shelby County League, and will bring her excellent court awareness and skills back for one more season. Classmate Carrie Watkins (5-9 Senior) is dangerous from beyond the three-point arc, and teams up with Burch to create havoc up north. Sophomore Rachel Billing (5-10) is a key component to their success, as is Megan Fogt (6-0 Senior) as the Lady Rockets should cruise to a solid season.
Miami East: When they walk onto the court, it will look intimidating with all their size. They will be young, but should grow up fast. They lost reigning league Player of the Year Morgan Miller to Tipp City, so youth will be served in Casstown. Senior Hannah Mengos (5-8) returns, but watch the young ones, like sophomores Abby Cash (6-0), Leah Dunivan (6-0), and a pair of fast rising freshman.
Middletown Fenwick: Everytime coach Donn Burrows looks at his schedule, he knows that six times a year, his Lady Falcons will have to face either Carroll, Alter or CJ. Playing in likely the top league in the area, Fenwick returns seniors Chelsea Farrell (6-2) and Melanie Monahan (5-8), both among the top players in Southwest Ohio. They will be joined by some solid younger kids, and look for Fenwick to be ready for a nice overall season.
Middletown Madison: They return the top player in the area, as Ally Malott (6-3 Senior) has one last shot to lead the Lady Mohawks to a state title. One player they will miss is Lindsay Hoskins, now at Lehigh University, but they return a strong supporting cast. Watch for seniors Morgan Miller (5-3) and Rachel Blevins (6-0) to aid in the attack, along with juniors Brittany Shields (6-0), Ashley Cox (6-0) and Abby Jerger (5-7). The clear favorites to repeat as league champs, they have loftier goals.
Waynesville: Longtime coach Tim Gabbard always has his teams ready to battle. The Spartans will be led by Amber Bell (5-5 Senior) who will be counted on for her steady play. She will be joined by Lauren Bunn (5-7 Senior) to challenge the rest of the Division Three teams when tournament time arrives.
DIVISION IV
Fort Loramie: Always a very solid team, and this year is no different. Returns elite guard Janel Olberding (5-10 Senior) and Clair Ruhenkamp (5-10 Senior), as the Lady Redskins look for a trip to Columbus. Coach Carla Siegel also brings back Brooke Turner (5-9 Senior).
Jackson Center: This team will be a serious sleeper this season. They return a very solid player in Taylor Cummons (5-8 Senior), along with Mackenzie May (5-10 Senior). Joining the team this year is hidden gem Brooke Richard, who comes over from Ben Logan. The 5-10 senior is a major scoring threat, and will send the Lady Tigers into immediate consideration for a nice tournament run.
Marion Local: Four key players return from last season, making the Lady Flyers a key team to watch in 2010-11. Seniors Alyssa Winner (5-9) and Kelly Schlarman (5-9) return with a lot of experience, while Margaret Wuebker (6-0 Junior) and Chelsea Winner (6-0 Sophomore) both add star power to this team. They go into the season looking for some newcomers to help with the height they lost, and hope to build off of last season.
Miami Valley: After a great season last year, the Lady Rams return two of the area’s top Division Four players. Shelby Carpenter (5-9 Junior) is an uptempo, scoring point guard, who loves to get out and run. Kailey Ketterer (5-11 Senior) also returns as a solid perimeter player with college potential. The loss of Kori Faul hurts, as she has transferred to Centerville.
Minster: Loaded team who should be the top Division 4 team in the area at season’s beginning. They have three very talented players to lead the way, including seniors Delaney Wolf (6-1) and Ericka Fullenkamp (5-10), along with rising junior Tara Clune (6-2). The Wildcats will likely again be a strong, physical team who will use their aggressive style of halfcourt man-to-man defense to stymie their opponents.
Tri Village: The Lady Patriots are the favorites in the Cross County Conference, after advancing to the regionals last season. They return 5-11 junior Kayla Linkous for yet another season, as she is a member of the pre-season Dabbelt Report Dream Team. Linkous will always be remembered for her 61-point performance in the sectionals last season. Pure point guard Shaye Thomas (5-5 Sophomore) bloomed into one of the area’s best last season.
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