An argument has been made that with boys? and girls? basketball teams competing at the same time this season, the girls will be overshadowed.
But if the Lake Orion girls? squad can live up to their preseason goals, that simply won’t be an issue.
A team that won the school’s first ever district championship and finished with a 17-6 record last season did not lose any players to graduation, and sports a roster that Coach Steve Roberts said is balanced, speedy, tall and deep.
‘I think that people are going to have trouble matching up with us,? Roberts said, noting his squad will probably see plenty of zone defenses as a result.
On the perimeter, the team will be led by three senior captains entering their third season on the varsity level.
Cortney Kimmel will be the primary point guard and was an OAA III All-League selection last year.
Cara Booker and Trisha Dalrymple are big threats from the outside, too.
‘All of them take care of the ball really well, can attack the basket and are excellent shooters,? Roberts said.
The coach added that junior Courtney Zott might also see time at the point.
Zott is one of three rising juniors that started last season, along with Melanie LaMerato and Bethany Watterworth, who averaged a double-double.
‘Usually we see the biggest development and growth from sophomore to junior year,? Roberts noted.
Roberts said Watterworth (the team’s other All-League selection last year) will likely play a bit more outside of the post this season, especially in light of the depth down low with senior co-captain Christine Norton, who emerged as a significant contributor last season, and sophomore Alexa Haan, who has looked strong in practice.
The team’s other roster additions include Sarah Turnbull, Brittany Hopkins, Kelsey Deppen and Kate Dalrymple.
‘The kids that have come up are right there,? Roberts said. ‘Practices are competitive and we’re pushing ourselves to get better.?
With a deep roster, Roberts said he has not set a permanent starting lineup or rotation.
‘It’s open to all, based on their performance,? he said.
Match-ups and hot-hands will often determine the starters, but Roberts said the importance of the non-starters can’t be overlooked.
‘You also want to have someone that can pop off the bench and give you some energy,? he said. ‘In the end, it’s who is in there at closing time that counts.?
Roberts said this is the best team he’s had in his nine years at the helm. Their goals are to win the school’s first ever OAA III title and go beyond their finish in last year’s playoffs.
Defending league champion North Farmington moves up a division, but competition will be fierce with Stoney Creek, who returns one of the county’s best players in Brittany Nelson.
‘We have added other very competitive opponents including Pontiac Northern, Southfield Lathrup, Troy Athens, and Detroit Country Day,? Roberts said of the team’s schedule, adding that the girls? program has not won a conference championship in 25 years.
Unlike last season, the team will play some Friday night games this year as part of the season switch from fall to winter. Roberts said he and the team are excited to play in the winter-time, and when they play doesn’t matter as ‘games are games.?
Most players have played throughout the spring, summer and fall, some on AAU squads successful at the national level, so Roberts said they’re ready for another big year at LOHS.
‘With expectations that are higher, people aren’t going to take you lightly,? he said. ‘We’ll be the hunted, not the hunter.?