2007-2008 Preview

[UNCTarheels]

AAA

Two Time Defending State Champions Rush-Henrietta (http://www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.com/team.php?team_id=3A04) is the favorite behind Two time AGR Player of the Year Shenise Johnson (http://www.hoopgurlz.com/player/shenise-johnson) Johnson lost all of her running mates including D1 Center Eva Riddick (Delaware) & Point Guard Bria Jackson (Can't remember) If 6'0" Sophomore center Osha Jones can develope a decent low post game and score some points and someone can fill Jackson's shoes at Point R-H could win Section V AAA.

Penfield (http://www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.com/team.php?team_id=3A06) Returns 5'11 Center Erica Yohannes returns for her senior year, the 2nd Team AGR selection had a huge Junior Year. Senior Guard Alyssa Barrett also returns to give Penfield a dangerous Duo. If Yohannes continues to improve and Penfield gets contributions from all 5 starters they could dethrone R-H as AAA Champs.

Edison-Tech (http://www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.com/team.php?team_id=3A02) D1 Prospect Chelsea Sanders is back and hungry for a Section title. The 6'2" Senior forward was an AGR First Team Selection last season after averaging 24 ppg 12.5 rpg 5.1 apg & 2.2 blocks. She led Edison to its best record (15-5) in more than a decade. A knee injury forced her to miss sectionals. but she was expected to recover for this season.

AA

Canandaigua (http://www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.com/team.php?team_id=2A07) finished runner up last season to Athena. Returns sophomore AGR first team selection Ashley Zahn, Zahn Scored 20-plus points 13 times. Multi-faceted guard led run-and-gun offense, which averaged 70 points per game. Averaged 20.7 points last season as a Freshman and set school records for 3-pointers made (60) and Season Free-Throw Percentage 90 % (83-92). Zahn's sister Lia a 5'10 Junior also returns as does Freshmen Center Kym Gordon, her developement could be key to the Braves success.

Class A

The Deepest Class last season but not as deep this season. Defending Champ Newark (http://www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.com/team.php?team_id=1A07) returns all the key players from last seasons 25-1 team. Alyssa Fenyn (http://www.hoopgurlz.com/player/alyssa-fenyn) The Junior is already a 3 time AGR First teamer. Last season as a Sophomore she averaged 20.6 ppg 10.2 rpg, 4.7 apg, 3.4 spg and made 35% of 3's as Newark advanced to the State Semi-finals. Fenyn has 1,286 points in three years on varsity. Has D1 interest from Canisius,Boston College, Massachusetts, & Penn State. Teammate Shakista Woolfolk a 5'9" Junior was also a first Team AGR pick last season. Woolfolk is a stat stuffer as she averaged 14.4 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.2 spg & 2.1 blocks. Junior Guard Marissa Bunce also returns for Newark, Bunce is a terrific shooter and is a deadly 3 point shooter. Overall 8 underclassmen return for Newark.

H-F-L (http://www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.com/team.php?team_id=1A12) always dangerous H-F-L team returns a bunch of talent from last season. Including Sr. Guard Beth Allport and Jr. Forward Jessica Petruchik overall the Cougars have 11 players back from last season and might be able to compete with Newark for the Sectional Title.

Nazareth (http://www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.com/team.php?team_id=1B09)AGR First Teamer Nicole Jones returns after averaging 14.1 & 9.1 Rpg, shooting 53% from the floor. If Jones gets some help the always dangerous Naz could compete for the crown like usual.

BB

Hornell (http://www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.com/team.php?team_id=1B02) Lost longtime Coach Yvonne Knataitis to retirement and all everything player Lindsay Murphy to graduation. However new coach Kirk Scholes has a lot of talent left in Hornell. Sr. Forwards Jordan Brungard & Shawna McNeill will be counted on to lead the young team, 7 juniors 4 seniors. Juniors Johanna Lieb & Meaghan Costello will be asked to run the backcourt.

Wayland-Cohocton (http://www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.com/team.php?team_id=1B05)Very talented group returns with a new coach but most of the "Main Ingredients" from last years successful squad. The Talented Trio of Juniors Terin Brown, Leslie Havens & Brittany Kemp all return to lead the Eagles, Sophomore guard Alyssa Englert also returns and will look to contribute as well as Juniors Courtney Fitzpatrick, Lauren Heiman & Christina Neu. The Eagles might have what it takes to win Sectionals this season, The Trio of Juniors hit the 3-on-3 circuit over the summer and have worked hard to get better, I think that may very well pay off this winter.

B

Greece-Odyssey (http://www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.com/team.php?team_id=3C02) perennial powerhouse returns a host of veterans with 6 seniors & two juniors including Junior 6'0" Center Kourtney Damann.

CCC

Marion (http://www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.com/team.php?team_id=3C10)had fantastic year last season, they look to repeat last years success, lost last seasons leader and AGR 2nd teamer Deanna Nortier but return AGR Honorable Mention Seniors Nichole Clark 10 ppg & Ryan Iannello 11.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg also back is Brianne Raes 8.8 ppg. With their experience and steady contributions from the newcomers Marion could once again compete for a Sectional title.

CC

Wide open class with several teams ready to compete Canisteo-Greenwood (http://www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.com/team.php?team_id=1C07) lost several talented seniors but have quite a bit of talent returning, including Sr Guard Amanda Prouty, 6'0" Sr Center Julie Bossard, 5'9" Sr Forward Cassie Weitzel. Several underclassmen will look to contribute Sophomore Tiffany Fox and Freshmen guard Morgan York along with the much Hyped Freshmen Guard Raegan Ryan. Ryan played J.V as an 8th grader last season and has a ton of potential.

Avon (http://www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.com/team.php?team_id=3C03)-Very Successful last season going 20-2 getting upset in the semi's by Perry. Returns several key players from that team the main one being Junior Center 6'0" Marcy Manning 11 points 11.7 Rpg.

Bloomfield (http://www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.com/team.php?team_id=2C09)made it to the State Final Four last season, AGR Second Teamer Brittany White returns along with one of the Hudsons Jr. guard Jen Hudson. 6'0" Senior Forwards Alexandria Dailey & Cassie Schlenker also return to lead the low post.

South Seneca (http://www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.com/team.php?team_id=2C10)Always Dangerous & Competitive.

C

Notre-Dame (http://www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.com/team.php?team_id=2D03) Perenial Powerhouse moved to C last season and won a sectional title as a C. Lost Center Heidi Norton but return a bunch of talent 12 players return from last season, as Norton was the only senior. Look for the Irish to win C's again this season.

DD

Elba (http://www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.com/team.php?team_id=2D08)-upset last season by Romulus lost only two seniors from that squad. 12 girls return led by 6'0 Sr. Forward Amy Dorman. Look for Elba to dominate DD again this season.

Hammondsport (http://www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.com/team.php?team_id=2D07) Six players return along with a group of talented girls up from J.V's. Sr. Guard Kalyn Fries will lead the way this season.

Jasper-Troupsburg (http://www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.com/team.php?team_id=2D12)- Reached Sectional Finals last season before losing a close one to Romulus. Young squad this season with only two seniors on the roster but some talented underclassmen, Leading Scorer jr. Katie Wyant returns along with Sophomore Sister Megan Wyant. Juniors Hailey Post, Whitney Prutsman, Alena Owens, & Aimee Schenck will all see significant playing time.

Romulus (http://www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.com/team.php?team_id=2D09) defending champs return with several key players, including 6'0" sr forward Sheree Galipeau.

D

Canaseraga (http://www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.com/team.php?team_id=1D07)last years #1 seed got upset early but return most of last years squad, including Kristen Moose & Stephanie New.

Whitesville (http://www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.com/team.php?team_id=1D09)Stephanie Ellison & Ashley Brubaker lead the way with this young squad with only one senior. Very successful Soccer season will hopefully cary over to Basketball.

[sectionvguy1]

Where is your information from? You have some good detail but then you are missing some easy stuff. Are these you personal picks or a preview? You seem to know some small school stuff but failed to cover a few of the large schools.

AAA - You failed to mention Fairport who return all state player Brit Wilson. Fairport also returns the entire squad from a very good team last year. I just find it hard to believe that anyone could leave them off the list. Also you have very detailed information on Penfield which most casual fans would never have heard of, but you forget Fairport?

AA - You only list 1 team Canandaigua as if they were the only team. Class AA will be the most competitive of the large school classes. Teams like Wilson, Mercy, Churchville, Athena, Arcadia may all be able to win this year.

A - You list Naz as a team and they are not even in the Class, they are a Class B team. At least you hit Newark as a good team. I would think that Mendon would also make a pretty good run this year with the Napier transfer.

B - Odyssey the power house? This is the same team that was 8-12 last year? Naz is a lock in this class.

[UNCTarheels]

It's just my personal preview, I only talked about teams I was familiar with. I knew Fairport had a bunch of players back but didn't feel comfortable talking about them without knowing what i was talking about. I saw Penfield play a few times last year and read quite a bit about them.

I'm pretty sure Odyssey has won sectionals two out the last three years, so they went 8-12 last season that doesn't take away from what they've accomplished in recent years.

Here's the Classifications with Naz as an A school

http://www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.com/classifications.php

Some of the other stuff, I knew all about Megan Shoniker @ Arcadia but I have no idea who they have coming back. Pretty much the same thing with the other teams Mendon in Class A lost Jackie Ward & Claire Howe and yes I know Napier is transferring in but I couldn't remember if Kaelyn Gibson was a Junior or senior last season, is she back? and I have no idea who else is back and who the other newcomers are. Greece-Athena in AA lost Jori Davis wasn't sure who was coming back. I knew Ashley Rath was back @ Victor but wasn't sure if she had enough help to compete for sectionals.

Again it's just my personal preview with teams I felt comfortable talking about. If you'd like to post your preview and predictions I'd love to hear your thoughts on the teams I talked about and the ones I missed.

[sectionvguy1]

The section v girls basketball site is very wrong. take a look at the sectionv site for beds numbers. you will see that Hilton is now in class AAA, Churchville is now in class AA, Naz dropped to a class C school but is playing up in class.

You have good info, I was just asking the question.

[UNCTarheels]

No, No I wasn't trying to be combative, I understand your questions. If I was wrong about Naz I'm sorry I assumed the Classifications were right.

Seriously though I'd like to "Hear" your thoughts! who's going to win in each class? and why?

[sectionvguy1]

It is basketball season so what are the early thoughts?

Class AAA - Will RH win again behind Johnson?

Class AA - Athena looks to make it 4 in a row?

Class A - Is Newark a lock to make a run at another trip to HVCC?

Class B - Welcome back Naz, nothing beats home sweet home class B

Class C - Bloomfiled or Notre Dame, or a host of 10 other teams

Class D - Romulus again or can JT and Elba get some revenge?

[UNCTarheels]

Last year’s top girls basketball teams will remain tough to beat (http://www.mpnnow.com/sports/x449725509)-Daily Messenger

[SecVBallin]

Yes, the classifications are not right. Notre Dame is back in class DD this year

[UNCTarheels]

Are you sure about that?

Hilly are the Notre-Dame girls back to DD this season?

[ref301]

I think BND is "C" for the girls, right?

[SecVBallin]

ND is not in C anymore They are DD. i have spoken to people who know. It is a Fact

[ref301]

http://www.sectionvgirlsbasketball.com/classifications.php

Off the Section V girl's basketball website

[UNCTarheels]

SecVballin is right, Batavia Daily News Sportswriter Brian Hillabush confirmed it, Notre-Dame is back to DD this season. That means Elba, Romulus & J-T will have there hands full with Notre-Dame being DD.

[section5fan]

Even without ND in Class DD last year, the bracket was exciting. Add ND into the mix this year and it can only become better!

It was also nice to see ND win the Class C title last year for obvious reasons...

[UNCTarheels]

Marion favored to repeat (http://www.fltimes.com/articles/2007/11/28/sports/sports-14.txt)-Finger Lakes Times

It looks like another wild, four-team title chase (http://www.fltimes.com/articles/2007/11/28/sports/sports-13.txt)-Finger Lakes Times

Waterloo's streak of Division II titles to be put to test; Newark, Canandaigua are the top East contenders (http://www.fltimes.com/articles/2007/11/28/sports/sports-12.txt)-Finger Lakes Times

2007-08 TEAM CAPSULES (http://www.fltimes.com/articles/2007/11/28/sports/sports-16.txt)-Finger Lakes Times

[SecVBallin]

ND is going to be solid in DD. Losing Heidi Norton to graduation is a big loss, but Notre Dame also returns a previoulsy injured Colleen Swinton. When swinton and Charley Scott McGrail are on, this ND team is good. They also have talent in sophomore sharp shooter Nichole Hart, and sophomore guard Trish Pike.

Elba lost a talented junior Sarah Schwartzmeyer. This could be a factor in their season but Jill Marshall is solid. DD will be exciting to watch

[section5fan]

What happened to Schwartzmeyer?

[SecVBallin]

She is playing softball year round now. She decided to stop playing basketball

[section5fan]

Good for her, but that's a big loss for the bball team. Coach Nowak still has enough talent to go on, but it will be hard to replace her.

[SecVBallin]

I think it might be the year that a team could upset elba besides ND. This is a new kind of elba team. Dorman is their only dominant post player, besides marshall, when they usually they have many big talented forwards. Also the loss of a starter at the guard position might be big. No doubt Elba will be a good team. But who knows what will happen in the gr this year.

[section5fan]

Honestly, I'm not too worried about Elba's chances. They may not win the GR title, but I expect them to at least make the semis in DD. Coach Nowak knows what he has to do to get his team prepared for the post season run. It will be interesting to see how the early part of the season goes for Elba.

[Ashley]

What do you think about Arkport girls. Do you think they can get out of their losing streak.

[skibum83]

I saw the classifications last week. I noticed Notre Dame is back in DD. Didn't NDB win Class C last year. I thought the move up to C last year was due to winning DD the year before. Shouldn't NDB move up to CC this year if they won class C?

[SecVBallin]

No. Class C was an easier time for ND than DD was. But ND would not have a chance against a CC team to go to states. Coach Rapone, ND's AD, made this argument, and because there are only 185 kids in the entire school. ND is in DD and probably won't move up again anytime soon. It is a pretty complicated process I am sure.

Also, ND only moved up to class C because of a single 3 point shot. If Ali Haitz had missed the 3 to beat Elba in 2006, ND would have stayed in DD and Elba would have moved up a class.

[AllDayEveryDay]

Where is Batavia in this argument?

[UNCTarheels]

Ashley-I think Arkport can break out of their early season slump, they've had a pretty tough start so far. The Steuben County league is very tough this year with J-T, Hammondsport, Canisteo-Greenwood & Canaseraga all very strong and even the 2nd tier teams like Addison, Campbell-Savona & Avoca are tough. Arkport is adjusting to a new coach Jesse Harper and many of the players were members of the Soccer team that went to the final four. So I think once they get used to Coach Harper and the girls start to get into the Basketball Mindset they'll start to improve.

One thing that would help Arkport is playing Basketball in the off season. Much like the Avoca Boys & Bath Boys with their respective sports the Arkport girls eat, breathe & Sleep Soccer. The Avoca Boys Eat, breathe & Sleep Baseball & the Bath boys either Eat, Breathe & Sleep Soccer or Football none of them Play Basketball in the off season. This is true with the Arkport girls none of them play Basketball, even though I know a guy from Avoca who sends the Arkport girls stuff on his 3-on-3 Basketball tournament every year and he's still not had ONE Girl from Arkport play in his tournament in six years.

THIS PAST SUMMER A GIRL FROM ARKPORT NAMED ASHLEY GRIFFIN ENTERED A CONTEST FOR A FREE SPOT IN THE HORNELL GUS MACKER AND THE "GUY" FROM AVOCA GOT HER INFO FROM HIS D.J FRIEND AND SENT HER THE STUFF ON HIS TOURNAMENT AND SHE STILL DIDN'T PLAY, HOW FAR IS AVOCA FROM ARKPORT ANYWAY? SEEMS LIKE IT's ONLY 15 MINUTES AWAY!!

IF the Arkport girls Basketball team wants to improve it starts in the off Season.

[Ashley]

I know that Arkport eats and breathes soccer, I wish that i could get more girls interested in basketball, so I could play with them in the off season. I had a hard time getting a team for gus macker. Then i couldn't get a team for the Avoca tourney cause they had other plans.

[UNCTarheels]

Well thanks for trying, I'll make sure that "Guy" sends you the stuff again this summer................