Post by Zappa on Oct 13, 2003 15:30:14 GMT -5
Thinking ahead somewhat, I would like to see the various conferences discussed, (in a civil manner PLEASE, we all are entitled to our opinions). I will start with the Wabash River Conference. It is a conference located in the West Central part of the state. It is made up of 1A and 2A schools. This has been a very good conference over the years. Most recently with N. Vermillion's success at the state level, but also individually with Div. 1 talent Candace Dark, Bridgett Branson, Stacy White, and most notably Stephanie White. The conference in general will be down this year as a whole and there isn't any Div. 1 talent to have to defend. There are some good players, however, and this season will be the most competitive in many years. Looking at returning players, North Vermillion's Allie Hughes (sr) would be the most recognizable. A quality guard, she can put up points in a hurry and is capable of getting the ball to others. The Falcons are the favorite until someone proves they are not. Seeger returns more than anyone and may now be ready to take the top spot. Anne Morningstar (sr) a very versitile player and Jenny Walters (jr) a strong scrorer/rebounder will provide the core of a very balanced deep team. Don't count out Covington as they return two guards Crain (sr) and Smith (sr) who can light it up from deep. Can their young freshman step up and help. Fountain Central also returns 2 quality guards in Amy Clark (sr) and Chloe Dark (sr). Depth and frontcourt play will be their biggest question mark. Watch out for Attica. A very guick team that could pose problems and best not be overlooked. Dee Anne Rayburn (so) and Suzanne Shirley (so) are good young players. Rockville will be led by Morgan Wheeler (jr) and Riverton Park will be looking to rebuild with younger players.
So my picks for this year are:
N. Vermillion: They are picked first until someone knocks them off the mountain. Allie Hughes is regarded as the best returning player in the conference and rightfully so. However, gone are the best player in the conference from last year along with with two others who were instrumental in their success over the last couple of years. No disrespect to the Falcon's, but they just don't have enough experience coming back. Granted their JV was good last year and these kids will now be asked to step up along with Lindsay Varner who does at least provide some experience, but they did only split with Seeger's JV and Seeger's JV is basically still playing JV. This does not mean they will be an easy out...they will get everyone's best shot now and Ken Gentrup is a fine coach who will have them prepared.
The Others:
Seeger: Probably the team with the best chance, at least on paper, to win the conference. Most returning players with experience that should lead them over the top. Anne Morningstar (sr) and Jenny Walters (sr) are back along with Bobbi Larson (sr) a versitile athletic wing, Kayla Bush (jr) starting center who was the most improved player over the course of last season, Jamie Jordan (so) a much improved guard and transfer Alyssa Douglas (jr) who is a shooter. Others who will get time are Sophomores Ashley Thomas, Krystal Elliot, Laura Stump, and Linley Johnson.
Covington: This team could be very good depending on how the young players develop. Crain and Smith are not the biggest guards in the conference, but they have been through a lot over the past few years and I look for them to be a pretty good team this year. They will miss the inside players that graduated, but they had some kids develop over the year who gained valuable experience and if their freshman live up to the hype that has been heaped upon them, this could be the team everyone else will be looking up to.
Attica: It's time for them. They won't win the conference this year...or maybe next. But, when these sophomores are seniors, they will be very good. So, still too young yet, but will be learning this year to win games. Dee Anne Rayburn is a quality guard who lacks size but not heart. Suzanne Shirley is an undersized post who, with time, will become a force.
Fountain Central: Amy Clark and Chloe Dark are quick, feisty, fearless, tough, competitive guards. In fact, two of the best players in the conference. They can both play for my team any day. The only problem is....what else do they have. Their size and best inside player graduated. Clark and Dark can compete with anyone, but I don't think they can do it alone. An injury or foul trouble spells doom.
Rockville: Will be led by Morgan Wheeler (jr). Has nobody coming back to help. Havve some promising freshman for down the road.
Riverton Parke: Gravil leads an inexperienced group that will probably struggle this year.
As mentioned, this year the conference will be as competive as I've seen over the years. Injury's, chemistry, and intangibles will be as or more important than talent. Good Luck to All.
So my picks for this year are:
N. Vermillion: They are picked first until someone knocks them off the mountain. Allie Hughes is regarded as the best returning player in the conference and rightfully so. However, gone are the best player in the conference from last year along with with two others who were instrumental in their success over the last couple of years. No disrespect to the Falcon's, but they just don't have enough experience coming back. Granted their JV was good last year and these kids will now be asked to step up along with Lindsay Varner who does at least provide some experience, but they did only split with Seeger's JV and Seeger's JV is basically still playing JV. This does not mean they will be an easy out...they will get everyone's best shot now and Ken Gentrup is a fine coach who will have them prepared.
The Others:
Seeger: Probably the team with the best chance, at least on paper, to win the conference. Most returning players with experience that should lead them over the top. Anne Morningstar (sr) and Jenny Walters (sr) are back along with Bobbi Larson (sr) a versitile athletic wing, Kayla Bush (jr) starting center who was the most improved player over the course of last season, Jamie Jordan (so) a much improved guard and transfer Alyssa Douglas (jr) who is a shooter. Others who will get time are Sophomores Ashley Thomas, Krystal Elliot, Laura Stump, and Linley Johnson.
Covington: This team could be very good depending on how the young players develop. Crain and Smith are not the biggest guards in the conference, but they have been through a lot over the past few years and I look for them to be a pretty good team this year. They will miss the inside players that graduated, but they had some kids develop over the year who gained valuable experience and if their freshman live up to the hype that has been heaped upon them, this could be the team everyone else will be looking up to.
Attica: It's time for them. They won't win the conference this year...or maybe next. But, when these sophomores are seniors, they will be very good. So, still too young yet, but will be learning this year to win games. Dee Anne Rayburn is a quality guard who lacks size but not heart. Suzanne Shirley is an undersized post who, with time, will become a force.
Fountain Central: Amy Clark and Chloe Dark are quick, feisty, fearless, tough, competitive guards. In fact, two of the best players in the conference. They can both play for my team any day. The only problem is....what else do they have. Their size and best inside player graduated. Clark and Dark can compete with anyone, but I don't think they can do it alone. An injury or foul trouble spells doom.
Rockville: Will be led by Morgan Wheeler (jr). Has nobody coming back to help. Havve some promising freshman for down the road.
Riverton Parke: Gravil leads an inexperienced group that will probably struggle this year.
As mentioned, this year the conference will be as competive as I've seen over the years. Injury's, chemistry, and intangibles will be as or more important than talent. Good Luck to All.