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Returning core should aid Sweet Home's chances Sweet Home took some lumps last year but with a nucleus of returning players, coach Matt LaRoach thinks his team will progress this season. "We have a nucleus coming back who have been around the program for a couple of years," said LaRoach, whose team finished 4-17 last year. "I feel that they can only get better. We've had our struggles and injuries but the work ethic and determination I see out of these girls every day is only going to lead them to success." LaRoach returns seven players led by tri-captains, sophomore Ellie Allen and seniors Michelle Price and Kiaya Burks. Allen, the only underclassmen on the team, returns after sitting out for seven weeks last season with a small bone chip in one of her feet. LaRoach said she can play the point guard, shooting guard and small forward position and will decide where to play her game-by-game. "She's a well-rounded player and gives us a lot offensively and defensively and leadership on and off the court," he said. "She's starting to mature into a very positive person for our program." Burks and Price will help fill the void inside left by graduated seniors Brittany and Brandy Clarke. At 6-foot-2, Burks is the tallest player on the team and is a possible starter at center. "Kiaya's worked hard in the offseason and will be a presence inside," LaRoach said. LaRoach said Price will split minutes with other forwards, is a good leader and does a lot of the intangibles right. Other returning players include Amanda Cannizzo and forwards Coretta Davis and Maygan Voros. Cannizzo, entering her third year on varsity, is the only player on the team last year to earn ECIC Division I all-star status (second team). Like last season, the junior will split time at point and shooting guard. "She's got the complete package," said LaRoach. "She does everything coaches and teammates want out of a player on a daily basis. She comes in every day, works hard and strives to get better. She's taken on the role of 'I want to be a better basketball player'. I can't say enough about her and what she brings." Davis, a 5-foot-7 junior, can play a forward position. "She has a knack for the basketball," said LaRoach. "Sometimes you look at her size and it might be a little deceiving but she knows how to use her body to get to the basketball." Voros, a 5-foot-8 senior, saw a decent amount of playing time last year, and will look to play at power forward. "She is a good rebounder and strong around the basket," said LaRoach. LaRoach feels his team is quicker than last year at both ends of the court and in transition. His team also looks better defensively. "These girls really want to get after it in practice," he said. "They're guarding people harder, and playing together as a unit, not as five separate individuals. These girls know that if we're going to be successful this year, we have to be able to play defense." LaRoach said Jamestown is the front runner in the division but teams like Lancaster, Williamsville North, Clarence and Orchard Park are similar. "On any given night, it's going to be what team is on top of their game," said LaRoach. Sweet Home's season ended last year to
Iroquois in the Class A-1 quarterfinals. |
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