BL girls basketball previews

Here are the previews of the Berkshire League girls basketball teams:

GILBERT

Head coach: Gerry Hicks (7th season, 21-83)

2015-16: 9-13

Key players: Seniors Ali Brochu (8.1 ppg), Deanna Delacruz (7.3 ppg), Grace Valickis; Junior Liz Wexler; Sophomore Jill Wexler (8 ppg).

Outlook: Liz Wexler is back after missing all of her sophomore season to injury. This changes everything for the Yellowjackets.

Coach’s comment: “The girls have brought a new work ethic and intensity to practices so far this season, and we hope to have an impact on the league this year.”

HOUSATONIC VALLEY

Head coach: Steven Dodge (First season)

2015-16: 11-10

Key players: Seniors Amanda Jacquier, 8.5 ppg; Chloe Dakers, 9.6 ppg.

Outlook: It is an adjustment season for the Mountaineers, with a new coach on board and only three returning seniors.

Coach’s comment: “We have a young team. The underclassman have good skills, but haven’t worked a lot together. We picked up three or four strong players from last year’s junior varsity team who will make an impact on varsity.”

LEWIS MILLS

Head coach: Joe Capitani (6th season, 76-44)

2015-16: 13-11

Key players: Seniors Corrine Morrow (All BL, 7.8 ppg), Samira Abdelrehim (10 ppg); Juniors Brooklyn Murdick, Gabby Bagdonas (6 ppg), Alyssa Wrabel; Sophomore Sam Chadwick (6.3 ppg).

Outlook: To call the Spartans experienced is an understatement. Lewis Mills returns all five starters from last season. Yep, that’s what you might call a luxury lineup.

Coach’s comment: “We look to be stronger this season as we have the varsity experience that we lacked last year.”

LITCHFIELD

Head coach: Brian Mongeau (2nd season)

2015-16: 5-15

Key players: Seniors Mary Spierto (6.7 ppg), Lydia Hanlon, Sam Foley (6.5 ppg), Emily Dragan, Melissa Brodeur; Juniors Amber Marino, Alexa Guerrera; Sophomore Rachel Leigh.

Outlook: Litchfield brings back four starters, and there is an influx of solid freshmen talent. This is a tourney team this season.

Coach’s comment: “We have a very talented group of incoming freshman that could potentially contribute at the varsity level this year. We are looking for a significant improvement from last year and look to be more competitive as we combine experience with talent.”

Thomaston’s Julia Quinn secures the ball before passing it off against Nonnewaug’s Mary Bibbey, during their Berkshire League finals matchup in Thomaston on Monday. Christopher Massa Republican-American

NONNEWAUG

Head coach: Adam Brutting (5th season, 76-22)

2015-16: 20-4

Key players: Senior Alex Eanniello; Juniors Mary Bibbey (7.2 ppg), Jen Charette (5.4 ppg).

Outlook: The Chiefs are a perennial BL contender, and look to be in the mix again. It won’t be easy to replace Courtney Carlson in the paint.

Coach’s comment: “This is going to be an exciting year for the team as there are many opportunities where new players can step up and take advantage of all the different possibilities.  It will be a year where players who really put in the time and effort will grow a great deal.”

NORTHWESTERN

Head coach: Fred Williams (39th season)

2015-16: 7-14

Key players: Seniors Abby Nelson, Marissa Swartley, Erica Swartley, Syndey Shaffer, Katie Wald, Angela Richard, Alex Robotham; Juniors Addie Hester (6.6 ppg), Morgan Daley (7 ppg); Sophomores Gina Weingart (7.3 ppg), Emma Propfe (5,6 ppg).

Outlook: Do not overlook the Highlanders. Northwestern returns skill players, has loads of experience, and good size.

Coach’s comment: “ We have a lot of experience coming back and look to improve on last year’s season.”

SHEPAUG VALLEY

Head coach: Karen Puskas (4th season, 28-36)

2015-16: 9-13

Key players: Senior Paige Johnson (4.7 ppg); Juniors Avery Serra, Olivia Moore, Cassidy Borger.

Outlook: Talk about a project, Shepaug must fill the void left by the graduations of all-stater Caroline Kelly and Samantha Moravsky. They combined for 75 percent of the team’s offense.

Coach’s comment: “We will be rebuilding as we are very young with limited varsity experience. While the future looks bright, this year will be challenging.”

TERRYVILLE

Head coach: Tom Morgan (1st season)

2015-16: 2-18

Key players: Seniors Joanna Johnson (10.2 ppg), Zoe Jabs, Makayla Descault (8.6 ppg), Colby Brown, Caylee Brown; Juniors McKenzie Huria, Sam Stone, Alana Girch; Sophomores Lauren Jacobs.

Outlook: Morgan takes over at Terryville. It is his 32nd year coaching girls basketball and 17th as a head coach. He has a solid nucleus to build around in Johnson and Jabs.

Coach’s comment: “We need to improve defensively and on the boards.  We lost junior Bri Hanlon to an ACL injury. Transfer student (Jacobs) may help by the middle of the season.”

Thomaston’s Julia Quinn (1) pushes the ball up court during their Class S state championship game against Canton Saturday at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Jim Shannon Republican-American

THOMASTON

Head coach: Bob McMahon

2015-16: 26-2 (BL champion, Class S finalist)

Key players: Seniors Casey Carangelo (16.1 ppg, All BL, All State), Julia Quinn (7.8 ppg), Cam Capaldo; Juniors Alexa Milius, Alexa Sanson, Kaitlyn Root, Mackenzie Doyle.

Outlook: It is the phrase you hear from every coach: In the BL, it all starts with Thomaston. All teams begin the season chasing the Bears. Good luck with that.

Shepaug’s Samantha Moravsky looks to put up a shot as Wamogo’s Rose Kelly (#34) and Ddanielle Tillmann (#43) defend during Berkshire League action Tuesday night at Wamogo High School. Wamogo defeated Shepaug 58 – 49. Michael Kabelka Republican-American

WAMOGO

Head coach: Kevin Crowley (15th season, 211-135)

2015-16: 13-10

Key players: Seniors Emily Kupcho (6.4 ppg), Jasmyne Palumbo, Emma Weik; Juniors Rose Kelly (9.6 ppg), Morgan Betti.

Outlook: The Warriors will have a solid post game, with team defense a strength. The search is on for a true point guard.

Coach’s comment: “We will be athletic, fast, and aggressive.”