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New players ready to go at Amherst
Five seniors who scored 33 points per game from the 2006-07 team graduated, including the team's top two scorers, Jodi Battaglia (10.2 points) and Liz Reid (9.5 points). Also gone are Mollie Lang (team-best 37 steals), Shannon McGuire (hit team-best 50 percent from three-point range) and Stephine Woods (averaged three points, forced many turnovers). Amherst coach JoAnna Fildes didn't have a starting lineup as of press time but feels this year's seniors are ready to go. "This year's team learned a lot from the seniors over the years and are ready to compete at the varsity level," said Fildes. At guard, Fildes brings back seniors Casey Martin and Daisy Timlin. "Both bring leadership and confidence to the court as seniors," said Fildes. "Martin has a great outside shot and sees the court very well. Daisy is entering her third season at the varsity level. She has confidence to distribute the ball and drive to the basket." Fildes also returns 6-foot-1 senior center Jennifer Newhouse and senior forward Elana Korn, whom she feels complement each other under the basket. "Jenny controls the boards and has the ability to score in double figures every game," she said. "Elana has a great athletic sense around the basket and reads the play very well. She anticipates what is going to happen next." Last year, Newhouse averaged five points and was second on the team in total rebounds, grabbing 92. She led the team with 30 blocked shots. Junior forward Amy Simon has a great outside shot but can also mix it up under the basket, she said. "She has great athletic abilities all over the court," said Fildes. Coming from JV are juniors Eva Lankes (guard) and Kaelyn Sullivan and sophomores Casey McGuire (forward/guard) and Rachel Schepart (guard). Fildes said Lankes brings a lot of athleticism and hustle; Sullivan can step in and mix it up under the basket. McGuire and Schepart both played key roles in the success of the Amherst JV program last year, Fildes said. Sophomore transfer Jequana Roberts will also see some playing time as a guard. Fildes said team strengths are unselfish play, athleticism, the ability to score from inside and outside, working well together and never giving up. Amherst will not only field a lineup, they're also in a new league. Because of student enrollment and the addition of a new team, Amherst dropped from ECIC II to III. In order to have success in ECIC III, Fildes said her team has to play together as one. "We will have to use our strengths and exploit the opponents' weaknesses," she said. "They are hard workers with a 'game on' attitude." Amherst finished 8-11 last year and lost to Starpoint in the Section VI Class A-1 quarterfinals.
Amherst opened its season on Tuesday against Orchard Park in the first round of the West Seneca West tournament. The result was unavailable before The Bee went to press. The consolation and final are Thursday. |
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