Coming off one of the best seasons in College history, the Saint Mary’s basketball will look to a strong core of returning players to continue the momentum.
“Because we played nationally ranked teams last season, our returners have a lot of experience we can build upon,” said second-year head coach Jenn Henley. “They understand what it takes to be successful as we continue to work hard and strive to improve as a team.”
The stalwart of the squad this season will be shooting guard Alison Kessler, who averaged an MIAA best 19.9 points a game and was named to the league’ First-Team All-Conference squad. Last season the LaPorte, Ind. native, also became the seventh player in Saint Mary’s history to register 1,000 career points.
“Alison will handle that type of pressure like she does everything else, calmly and realistically,” Henley said. “She knows she can’t do anything without her teammates. We need to find a balanced scoring attack to eliminate being one dimensional on offense.”
In helping to find that balance, there will be several players called upon to make key contributions on a regular basis. Among those will be Second-Team All-MIAA selection forward Erin Newsom. The junior was the squad’s third leading scorer (11.2 ppg) and the top rebounder (8.5 rpg).
A host of other returning starters will also be a force for the Belles. Forward Anna Kammrath started 21 of the 25 contests she played, averaging 7.4 points and 7.5 rebounds a game. At another post position expect to see a significant contribution from Nicole Beier who finished the season on a strong note to average 4.0 points and 2.3 rebounds a game for the season.
“Our overall team defense must improve this season. With an experienced group of post players, I’m looking forward to a more physical game on the inside at both ends of the floor. We have to establish a stronger presence with our post play,” Henley said.
With the graduation of Bridget Lipke, the College’s all-time assists leader, the Belles will have to find a player to step into that role. Katie Rashid started 22 games at guard last season playing just over 21 minutes per game, averaging 3.2 points a game. Mary Lynn Carlson and Patty Duffy, a pair of sophomores who saw significant playing time during their first year, also return, looking to bolster the Belles scoring.
“Anytime you graduate seniors it affects the returners. Bridget was the floor leader for us and her stats speak for themselves. We will need to find a vocal leader from this year’s squad who will play with a lot of energy and take control of the game,” Henley said.
Henley concluded, “I believe with some time and the right chemistry in our rotations we will be able to continue moving this program in the right direction, a direction that Bridget and other alumnae have guided us towards in the past.”
