Capsules for each team in Daily Local News area
National Division
Avon Grove
Head Coach: Harry Loeffler
Key Players: Cyndie Martin, Sr.; Nina Conner, Sr.; Regan Cook, Jr.
Outlook: Red Devils appear to be much improved over last season, which was Loeffler’s first year as head coach. Avon Grove has seven seniors returning along with Cook. Loeffler mentioned the major difference this year compared to last is his team knows the system and playbook. “We can teach them shooting and defense now,’ Loeffler said. “I expect my girls to be a lot better. Last year was a learning exxperience for them and they’ve taken some big strides. We don’t have a superstar, but our girls share the ball. They’re a very cohesive group.’
Prediction: Improved over last season and will be more competitive in games. Expect a few more wins.
Bishop Shanahan
Head Coach: Fran Burbidge
Key Players: Ciara Forde, Jr.; Grace Phillips, Jr.; Devon Adams, Fr.; Rachel Parker, Sr.
Outlook: Eagles return plenty of talent from a team that won three games in the District 1 Class AAAA tournament and reached the PIAA playoffs for the first time in school history. Despite losing five seniors, Burbidge has Forde returning at guard while Phillips will be inserted into a starting role this year. Adams, a 6’3′ freshman, will start at center along with Parker and Jamie Powers. A Ches-Mont National first team selection, Forde will play both guard positions. Phillips was a Ches-Mont National second team selection coming off the bench last season. “We lost a lot of seniors that led the way last year,’ Burbidge said. “We’re trying to find an identity with lots of bench players taking new roles and eight freshman on JV and varsity. We have an idea of what we’re going to be, but it’s a wait-and-see approach.’
National Division
Avon Grove
Head Coach: Harry Loeffler
Key Players: Cyndie Martin, Sr.; Nina Conner, Sr.; Regan Cook, Jr.
Outlook: Red Devils appear to be much improved over last season, which was Loeffler’s first year as head coach. Avon Grove has seven seniors returning along with Cook. Loeffler mentioned the major difference this year compared to last is his team knows the system and playbook. “We can teach them shooting and defense now,’ Loeffler said. “I expect my girls to be a lot better. Last year was a learning exxperience for them and they’ve taken some big strides. We don’t have a superstar, but our girls share the ball. They’re a very cohesive group.’
Prediction: Improved over last season and will be more competitive in games. Expect a few more wins.
Bishop Shanahan
Head Coach: Fran Burbidge
Key Players: Ciara Forde, Jr.; Grace Phillips, Jr.; Devon Adams, Fr.; Rachel Parker, Sr.
Outlook: Eagles return plenty of talent from a team that won three games in the District 1 Class AAAA tournament and reached the PIAA playoffs for the first time in school history. Despite losing five seniors, Burbidge has Forde returning at guard while Phillips will be inserted into a starting role this year. Adams, a 6’3′ freshman, will start at center along with Parker and Jamie Powers. A Ches-Mont National first team selection, Forde will play both guard positions. Phillips was a Ches-Mont National second team selection coming off the bench last season. “We lost a lot of seniors that led the way last year,’ Burbidge said. “We’re trying to find an identity with lots of bench players taking new roles and eight freshman on JV and varsity. We have an idea of what we’re going to be, but it’s a wait-and-see approach.’
