The Lake Orion High School varsity girls basketball team will move down to OAA III this year, but head coach Steve Roberts said the program is heading in the right direction.
‘We’ve gone through some lean years,? he said. ‘We’ll do more this year than just compete every night. We’re looking to win a championship.?
Roberts said his senior group has gone through a growing process the last two years.
‘We’ve gone through the growing pains,? he said. ‘After winning 13 games in the past two years, our goal is to win at least 13 this season.
‘It’s been a challenge, experience-wise, the last three years,? said Roberts.
This season, the Dragons return an experienced group, which Roberts said will make a big difference.
‘This year, we return four seniors who are playing their third year,? he said. ‘We also have two juniors who played last year, and one sophomore who played last year.?
Returning seniors are third-year players Kristin Larsen, Chelsea Richards, Margaret Verespie and Cara Slosson.
Returning juniors are Rachel Traurig and Susan Holt.
‘We also return seniors Rachel LaRocca and Samantha Bell,? Roberts said.
Sophomore Brittany Daenzer also returns to the varsity team.
Seniors Alicia and Alex Hartley will play for the Dragons this year. Up from the junior varsity are junior Elizabeth Mustazza, and sophomores Cortney Kimmel, Cara Booker and Trisha DeLrymple.
‘This year we’re going to try to force up-tempo basketball,? Roberts said. ‘We have lots of depth, as well as experience.?
Roberts said he will also get more kids in the game, ‘to keep fresh bodies on the floor.?
‘We have a pretty well balanced team, as far as skill level,? he said. ‘Slosson, LaRocca and Holt all have good size.?
Roberts said his team has the ‘key ingredients? to be successful in every game.
‘We have good shooters, and good defense,? he said. ‘We have players who can go out on the court and give us good quality minutes.?