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2007-2008 Lady Wolves Basketball Preview
After completing their third
consecutive 25 win campaign and capturing the conference title for the
third year in a row, what is in store for the Lady Wolves this year? Tony
Giese begins his seventh season as the Lady Wolves coach and this year's
team has Giese very optimistic. "This will be the first season we are
going to have the size to play the slow it down game and the speed to run
our system," Giese said. The Lady Wolves "system" has put up some big
numbers over the last three seasons, while last season's team led the
country in scoring at just over 84 points per game. "The girls have been
fun to watch over the last couple of years and this year's team appears to
have the same type of talent," said Coach Giese. Giese returns four very
talented sophomores and nine freshman that will be asked to contribute
immediately.
It is no secret that the Lady
Wolves have been blessed with some very talented guards over the years.
After graduating four extremely talented guards last season, Giese's team
will be centered on last year's leading scorer and 2nd team NJCAA
All-American selection, Shantel Johnson. Johnson led the team in scoring,
steals, second in assists, second in rebounds, and free throw
opportunities, doing so playing just 23 minutes a game. The two guard from
Joliet Township has put in a lot of work during the off season and looks
to build off of last year's success. "The experience from last season has
made me so much more comfortable coming into this season. I am sure I will
have to make more adjustments in my game this year, but I am looking
forward to growing with my teammates," said Johnson.
At the point guard position,
Joliet returns two very experienced sophomores. Telyshia Adams (Joliet
Township) and Sarai Guerrero (Plainfield South) look to share much of the
duties this season much like last season. Both bring a strong knowledge of
the game and last year's experience sure looks like it will help them
moving into this year. "This season it looks like we will have more
shooters than last season. We may not be as fast as last year's team, but
I feel like we make that up in knowledge," said Guerrero. Giese knows the
importance of guard play. The experience of Adams and Guerrero figures
to help the team roll into this season. "Telyshia and Sarai give us a
great starting point. Both have so much knowledge of the system. I fully
expect both to perform with great leadership," said Giese. Also looking to
contribute at the point guard and two guard positions is Shante Jackson
from Bremen. Jackson looks to make a splash as a defensive specialist with
her quickness. At the other guard positions, the addition of Megan Kohrt
(Dwight) and Katie Blocker (Lincoln-Way Central) gives Giese the ability
to really shoot it. Both players will come in as proven shooters in the up
tempo system the Lady Wolves enjoy. "Megan and Katie both can shoot the
ball very well. Both players look to fit right into our style of play,"
said Giese. Also looking to contribute in the four guard system is Kyana
Benvenuto (Rich South) and Chelsea Crawford (Clinton Central, Ind.). Both
seem to have a strong knowledge of the game. "Chelsea is one of the
hardest workers and Kyana can sure put it on the floor. Both will
contribute to the team," said Giese. Last but not least, add a very
talented Stephanie Slaughter (Millwood, Okla..) and the Lady Wolves look
to continue the tradition of strong guard play.
As far as post play goes, the Lady
Wolves look to four strong players to give opposing teams fits on the
boards. Sophomore Autumn Weeks (Proviso West) comes off of a very
successful freshman campaign finishing up at just under 10 rebounds per
game. Weeks looks to bring her speed and athleticism into this year's
season as a leader of a very talented post group. "Last year I did not
have the technique that I do this year. I feel one year has given me a
much better understanding of the post game and I look forward to sharing
that knowledge with my teammates," said Weeks. Looking to help Weeks at
the post position are Jeria Washington (Rich South) and Martha Benjamin
(Aurora Central Catholic). Both players give Giese size and strength at
the five position. Washington comes in at a strong 6'3" frame, while
Benjamin will look to play the power game within her 6'2" frame. "Jeria
and Martha both are going to make a name for themselves. They are very
strong around the basket and have a nice touch for big kids," said Giese.
Also looking to contribute in the paint is Chenae Cooper (Argo). Cooper
gives the Lady Wolves an athletic post that can get up and down the floor.
"Chenae is a very skilled player. Once she learns how to play the college
game, she will be tough to stop," said Giese.
With the addition of nine talented freshman and the
return of four experienced sophomores, this year's version of the Lady
Wolves looks to compete in every game. They may have more size than in the
past, but look for them to continue their fast paced style that they have
grown so accustomed to.
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