By Dan Shriner
Review Editor
LINDEN ? Lake Orion’s girls began their quest for an OAA White Division title with a 65-50 non-league win over Linden on Monday night.
The Dragons were led by freshman Maddie Novak, who scored 22 points and grabbed six rebounds.
Coach Steve Roberts said he was pleased with the team’s effort, especially scoring 65 points. Lake Orion was in control most of the game, even when Linden cut the lead to eight points in the third quarter.
The Dragons looked strong through the fourth quarter as the Eagles committed several fouls and the lady Dragons kept hitting their free throws.
Coach Roberts is cautiously optimistic about the Dragons chances in the OAA White Division this season. The top three teams will likely be North Farmington, Bloomfield and the Dragons.
Lake Orion returns a core of some excellent players. Some of the returners have played four years on the varsity, others three years. There are some newcomers who are expected to shine.
Some of the key players on the team include senior captain’Evelyn Wischmeyer, who is a 5?11, forward, and has been on the varsity for four years. She has been chosen as an all-league player the past two seasons. She averaged 10 points and seven rebounds per game last year.
In the opening game against Linden, Wischmeyer netted 17 points.
Roberts, in his 17th year at the helm of the girls basketball program, said the team is fortunate to have a great deal of experience and skill.
Among those expected to star are:
Delaney Haan, is a six-foot starter at center. She also has been on the varsity for four years, and started for three years.
Captain Lauren Thorse, is a 5?9?? senior who will play guard. She is a two-year starter. The third captain, Cheyenne Lada, has been a three-year starter. She is 5?10?? and plays center and forward.
Other second-year players include Jordan Marchese, a 5?7?? guard; senior Jill Cuomo. A 5?10?? forward/center and Taylor Warstler, a 5?8?? senior forward.
Roberts said his team is deep with talent and also expects good contributions from sophomore 5?7?? guard Cameron Coltrin, and juniors Lena Wuench, Jackie Gingell and Delaney Bryce.
Novak is the only freshman on the team and showed the promise of being a future Dragon star in her first game, with 22 points and six rebounds.
Roberts said freshman Novak is a five-tool player and is expected to help the team as it progresses through the OAA White Division this season.
The team hosts Oxford in a non-league game Friday at 7 p.m.