NEW LONDON — This is nothing new.
Longtime New London girls basketball coach Eric Mitchell will have just six players on his varsity roster this winter. Yes, the Wildcats have eight freshmen for 14 total players in the program, but Mitchell will be looking at just those six players, for the most part.
And yet in spite of that, expectations at New London remain extremely high. That’s because all six players are returning varsity players, including three starters from a team that went 20-5 last season and a perfect 14-0 in the Firelands Conference.
The Wildcats won their first FC title in 22 years and advanced to a district championship game for the first time in seven years.
However, NL does find itself needing to replace All-Ohioan and leading scorer Emily Rowland along with Alyssa Henry.
“Emilee and Alyssa were two big-time players for us who played a lot of games for us when we weren’t very good,” Mitchell said. “Two years ago we took a leap to 17 wins, and then last year. We’re not as deep with just six girls. We’ll dress some of those freshmen, but we have six really solid players.
“If they can stay healthy and out of foul trouble, I like this team as much if not more than being able to do more than last year’s team. They have that team concept and will make that extra pass to improve our offense even more.”
New London brings back junior posts Gracie Thomas (5-foot-11) and Pailee Wilson (6-1) to its front court. Thomas averaged 6.2 points and 5.6 rebounds last season, while Wilson added 4.3 points and 4.6 rebounds off the bench.
Junior wing Valery Thomas returns after averaging 5.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.4 steals. Junior guard Raeann Mitchell also returns with 5.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, three assists and 2.3 steals per game last season as a sophomore.
Also back is junior guard Olivia Yetter (5.3 points, 2.7 rebounds) and senior guard Madison Rowland (4.2 points).
“I have six players who fortunately or unfortunately, all have varsity experience,” Mitchell said.
The coach said there is a chance for freshmen Addison Yetter and Kendall Marsh to possibly see time this season as well.
“Addison can get after it defensively, and she’s one I think can maybe give us some minutes,” he said. “Kendall is another who could maybe be in the same position. But early on, it will be those five juniors and Madison getting all the minutes, unless we have no choice.
“Our big push is to play good, smart defense to stay on the floor.”
Like most FC teams, depth will continue to be an issue throughout the season.
“We have six players and we’re a physical team that plays aggressive,” Mitchell said. “They love to play physical basketball. They are going to fight for 50-50 balls.
The depth is an issue, but the experience is there in these situations with what they did the last two years.”
For New London to compete for another FC title and possibly a district title, Mitchell said the Wildcats have to play strong, disciplined defense.
“We play it well and have done it well in our scrimmages,” he said. “But we just have to stay disciplined, or it could cause problems if we get into foul trouble.”
Click here to read full article
ARTICLE SOURCE:
