Nov. 28 Kings
Dec. 2 Piqua
Dec. 5 Sidney
Dec. 9 Fairborn
Dec. 12 at Dayton Belmont
Dec. 16 at Miamisburg
Dec. 19 at Vandalia Butler
Dec. 28 Edgewood
Dec. 30 at Little Miami
Jan. 6 at Xenia
Jan. 16 Beavercreek
Jan. 20 at Clayton Northmont
Jan. 23 Springboro
Jan. 27 Trotwood-Madison
Jan. 30 at Fairborn
Feb. 3 at Springboro
Feb. 4 at Taft
Feb. 8 at West Carrollton
Feb. 10 Xenia
Feb. 13 Miamisburg
Roster
PLAYER POS HT YR
Rachel Debord G 5-6 Jr.
Desmond Jewett F 5-10 So.
Jade Kinney G 5-2 Jr.
C.C. Latham C 6-1 Jr.
Marie McKinnon F 5-10 Sr.
Maria Rotello G 5-7 Jr.
Emily Sibcy G 5-6 Jr.
Hannah Sparks F 5-11 Jr.
Hayley Stegemiller F 5-10 So.
Hannah Turpin F 5-10 So.
LEBANON — Last season, the Lebanon High School girls basketball team was one of the most improved in the area, winning seven games more than the previous year.
Another seven-game improvement would be a tall order for the Warriors in 2009-10. But with five varsity players returning — three of them starters — a winning season is not out of the question.
“Last year, we had to prove that we could compete,” second-year coach Rob Hodges said. “This year, we know we can compete. We’re out to prove that last year wasn’t a fluke.”
Frontcourt
Lebanon’s offense with run through the post where four-year starter Marie McKinnon (5-foot-10) and junior C.C. Latham (6-1) give Hodges a pair of twin towers to utilize.
“C.C. really came on strong at the end of last season, and she gives us a commanding presence in the paint,” Hodges said. “The addition of C.C. allows Marie to play power forward instead of center and should create matchup problems for other teams.
“Marie has really developed a perimeter presence to go with her power game, and we expect big things out of her this year. She’s our only senior, and she seems to be having a lot of fun out there this season, which is important.”
A trio of long, fast forwards will give the Warriors versatility in the frontcourt. Junior Hannah Sparks and sophomores Hayley Stegemiller and Hannah Turpin give Hodges versatility in his rotation.
“Those three girls can use their length and their speed to play both inside and outside,” Hodges said.
Backcourt
Juniors Rachel Debord and Maria Rotello — three-year starters — provide Lebanon with experience at the guard positions.
“Those two give us a 1-2 punch, and both have worked very hard improving their ball-handling, passing and perimeter shooting to compliment what they already do well, which is attack the basket,” Hodges said. “Rachel is becoming a more efficient point guard, getting the team in the right spots, and Maria now has the offensive skills to compliment her defense, which has always been the strength of her game.”
Junior Emily Sibcy will back up both guards in Hodges’ eight-player rotation.
Outlook
“Our league is one of the toughest in the Dayton area, so I’m sure a lot of people are still overlooking us. We’ll continue to play the underdog role and hope that works to our advantage,” Hodges said.
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