Prep Girls Basketball Notes: Nebraska basketball team capsules; Ratings

CLASS A

Bellevue East

Coach: Blake Anderson, 5th year. 2016-17: 4-19.

Returning starters – Seniors: Sydnei Norwood, 5-10, F.

Outlook: Chieftains return just one starter so will need others to step up.

Bellevue West

Coach: Rick Mintken, 4th year. 2016-17: 16-8.

Returning starters – Seniors: Laura Jurek, 5-11, F; Meleah Turner, 5-8, G. Akili Felici, 5-8, G.

Outlook: Jurek is strong inside (10 rpg) and the return of UNO commit Felici from knee injury is another plus; T-birds just missed state last year, losing to Lincoln Pius X in the district final.

Fremont

Coach: Tony Weinandt, 17th year. 2016-17: 6-22.

Returning starters – Seniors: Sam Shepard, 6-0, G/F; Camerin Inselman, 5-10, F; Logan Voss, 5-10, F. Sophomores: Emma Shepard, 5-8, G.

Outlook: Tigers return four starters, including a pair of Shepard sisters who had double-figure scoring averages last season.

Grand Island

Coach: Alex Michel, 5th year. 2016-17: 7-17.

Returning starters – Seniors: Sydney Wald, 5-11; Alexa Blasé, 6-0. Sophomores: Lauren Hauser, 5-10; Rya Chavez, 5-5.

Outlook: Islanders have depth and a nice mix of veteran players and newcomers.

Kearney

Coach: Jason Boyd. 2016-17: 17-9, state qualifier.

Returning starters – Seniors: Avery Wood, 5-5, G. Juniors: Alexis Mishou, 5-9, G/F; Claire Vanderbeek, 5-11, F/C.

Outlook: The Bearcats return nine letter winners from last year’s state tourney team.

Lincoln East

Coach: Dennis Prichard, 12th year. 2016-17: 19-7, state qualifier.

Returning starters – Seniors: Regan Sankey, 6-2, F; Alli Roh, 6-0, F/C; Rachel Weber, 6-1, C. Sophomores: Charley Bovaird, 5-11, F.

The Spartans will try to hold the fort until Roh returns in mid-January from a knee injury; Sankey averaged 13.7 ppg last season.

Lincoln Northeast

Coach: Steve Bartek, 8th year. 2016-17: 24-3, state qualifier.

Returning starters – Juniors: Kambree Rhodes, 6-1, F/C; Azaiya Trainor, 5-9, G. Sophomore: McKenna Minter, 5-8, G.

Outlook: Rockets appear strong, especially with the return of first-team All-Nebraska selection Minter (17.7 ppg), who will move to point guard this season.

Lincoln North Star

Coach: Ellen Jorgenson, 2nd year. 2016-17: 1-23.

Returning starters – Seniors: Brooke Horner, 5-9, F. Juniors: Drewann Edwards, 5-7, F.

Outlook: Young Navigators — up to four freshmen could play regularly — hope that hard work pays off in victories.

Lincoln Pius X

Coach: Bill Rice, 19th year. 2016-17: 16-8, state qualifier.

Returning starters – Seniors: Lindsay Nottleman, 5-4, G; Haley Hall, 5-10, F. Juniors: Kloee Sander, 5-10, F. Sophomores: Lauren Taubenheim, 6-1, F.

Outlook: Thunderbolts’ strength is inside play; Sander (10 ppg) led team in scoring.

Lincoln Southeast

Coach: Kara Graham, 7th year. 2016-17: 16-9.

Returning starters – Seniors: Madison Renn, 5-2, G.

Outlook: Knights graduated eight seniors off team that came within one win of state; newcomers will be called on early.

Lincoln Southwest

Coach: Jeff Rump, 4th year. 2016-17: 23-5, state champion.

Returning starters – Juniors: Jaden Ferguson, 5-11, C; Hannah Kelle, 6-1, G. Sophomores: Emerson Barada, 5-6, G.

Outlook: The Silver Hawks return much of their firepower from last year’s title team and add 3-point threat Taytem Coleman, who transferred from Lincoln Christian.

Millard North

Coach: Dave Diehl, 3rd year. 2016-17: 11-13.

Returning starters – Juniors: Jayna Green, 5-11, C; Lauren West, 5-11, G; Lexi Kraft, 5-7, G. Sophomores: Nicole Avila-Ambrosi, 5-9, G.

Outlook: Perimeter shooting is a strength for the Mustangs, led by West — a school-record 68 3-pointers last season.

Millard South

Coach: Bryce Meyers, 5th year. 2016-17: 26-4, state runner-up.

Returning starters – Seniors: Rylee Pauli, 5-11, F; Atiana Jones, 5-7, G. Juniors: Jaisee Stinson, 5-10, G/F; Bailey Urban, 5-7, G. Sophomores: Maddie Krull, 5-10, G; Jayme Horan, 6-0, F.

Outlook: Motivated Patriots came close to a state title last year, losing the championship game in overtime; Krull averaged almost 10 points last season as a freshman.

Millard West

Coach: Marc Kruger, 4th year. 2016-17: 17-8, state qualifier.

Returning starters – Juniors: Chaise Pfanstiel, 5-6, G. Sophomores: Jenna Bohaty, 5-10, F; Honnah Leo, 5-8, G.

Outlook: Wildcats’ fortunes could depend on status of seniors Courtney Merryweather and Lauren Rongisch, both coming off ACL injuries.

Norfolk

Coach: Jared Oswald, 3rd year. 2016-17: 11-12.

Returning starters – Seniors: Kyla Moore, Taylor Stoltz.

Outlook: Moore averaged almost 11 points last season for the Panthers, who hope to improve on last year’s 11-win effort.

North Platte

Coach: Curt Softley, 1st year. 2016-17: 1-26.

Returning starters – Seniors: Katy Hansen, 6-0, F; Kyilee Elsten, 5-5, G; Sami Mauch, 5-10, G.

Outlook: A new coach and many new players for the Bulldogs; nowhere to go but up.

Omaha Benson

Coach: Finis Jones, 1st year. 2016-17: 8-13.

Returning starters – Seniors: Jada Hankins, 5-10, C. Juniors: Kiana Estima, 5-1, G; Delani Harris, 5-8, G; Quinesha Lockett, 5-8, G. Sophomores: Asia Tyler, 5-9, C.

Outlook: Bunnies return four three-year starters; Lockett led the team in scoring last year (14 ppg).

Omaha Burke

Coach: Randall Howard, 1st year. 2016-17: 8-15.

Returning starters – Seniors: Ali Haith, 6-2, C; Justice Alioth, 5-9, F; Rylee Reggio, 5-10, G; Christy Murphy, 5-10, F; Ashley Hickman, 5-10, F. Sophomores: Emma Rosonke, 6-0, G.

Outlook: Bulldogs appear to have one of their best teams for new coach Howard; combination of returnees and transfers Jaden Santoni (Ralston) and Sydney Roseby (Omaha Bryan).

Omaha Central

Coach: Matt Hamill, 2nd year. 2016-17: 0-23.

Returning starters – Seniors: Jessica Lee, 5-9, G; Sahdia Thomas, 5-8, F.

Outlook: Eagles have nowhere to go but up after last season.

Omaha Marian

Coach: Peter Cunningham, 2nd year. 2016-17: 9-13.

Returning starters – Sophomores: Sofia Hess, G.

Outlook: Young Crusaders hope to make a push to return to state for the first time since 2010; addition of longtime Sandy Creek coach Russ Ninemire as an assistant is a plus.

Omaha North

Coach: Michaela Dailey, 2nd year. 2016-17: 17-7.

Returning starters – Seniors: Dariauna Lewis, 6-1, F; Anjiah Daigre-Anderson, 5-5, G. Juniors: DaNya Horne, 5-10, G; Ebone Stingley, 5-3, G.

Outlook: Vikings have just three seniors but one is the high-scoring Lewis (18 ppg).

Omaha Northwest

Coach: Genese Hodges, 1st year. 2016-17: 19-9, state qualifier.

Returning starters – Seniors: Jadai Burns, 5-8, G; Marissa Williams, 5-4, G.

Outlook: New coach and a new look for the Huskies, who are coming off their first state tourney appearance in 36 years.

Omaha South

Coach: Brittany Gunn, 1st year. 2016-17: 5-18.

Returning starters – Seniors: Alyssa Marsh-Contreras, 5-5, G; Cydnee Cavitt, 5-5, G; LaShawn Sweet, 5-7, G; RaShawn Sweet, 5-3, G.

Outlook: Packers return four starters for new coach Gunn, a former Omaha Burke standout who previously coached at Omaha Central.

Omaha Westside

Coach: Steve Clark, 7th year. 2016-17: 22-4.

Returning starters – Seniors: Quinn Weidemann, 5-9, G. Juniors: Ryley Nolin, 5-5, G. Sophomores: Ella Wedergren, 5-8, G.

Outlook: Return of Wyoming commit Weidemann — a first-team All-Nebraska guard who averaged 18 last season — is a big plus; motivated Warriors just missed state last year.

Papillion-La Vista

Coach: Josh Siske, 3rd year. 2016-17: 11-13.

Returning starters – Seniors: Lexi Harrison, 5-10, F; Taylor Hoelscher, 5-8, G. Juniors: Josey Ryan, 5-9, G.

Outlook: Monarchs will rely heavily on their returning starters, including UNO soccer recruit Ryan (9.1 ppg).

Papillion-La Vista South

Coach: Andy Gerlecz, 7th year. 2016-17: 16-8.

Returning starters – Seniors: Taylor Beacom, 5-8, G; Maddie Allen, 5-10, F. Juniors: Olivia Kastens, 5-8. G.

Outlook: Titans return three starters but Allen — the team’s leading scorer last year — will miss the early portion of the season while nursing a knee injury.

CLASS B

Alliance

Coach: Kurt Zadina, 1st year. 2016-17: 13-11.

Returning starters – Seniors: KayLee McDonald, 5-8; MaKayla Davidson, 5-7; Marque Crowe, 5-8. Juniors: Emersen Cyza, 6-0; Ryley Rolls, 5-11; Blythe Boness, 5-11.

Outlook: The Bulldogs return much of the team that came within one win of state last year; Cyza is coming off an outstanding volleyball season.

Beatrice

Coach: Dennis Coudeyras, 3rd year. 2016-17: 14-9.

Returning starters – Seniors: Michaela Jones, 5-10, G/F; Haley Sexton, 5-10, F/C. Sophomores: Addie Barnard, 5-8, G; Carley Leners, 5-10, F/C.

Outlook: The return of Northern Colorado recruit Jones (18.8 ppg) is a positive; emergence of other scoring threats to take heat off Jones is a goal.

Bennington

Coach: John O’Connor, 3rd year. 2016-17: 5-18.

Returning starters – Seniors: Bailey Jones, 5-9, F; Lydia Schrum, 5-7, F. Juniors: Kylie John, 5-11, F; Madalyn Turner, 5-10, G; Ellie Rupprecht, 5-7, G.

Outlook: The Badgers should show improvement after graduating just one starter from last season.

Blair

Coach: Matt Aschoff, 3rd year. 2016-17: 9-14.

Returning starters – Seniors: Michaela Ott, C. Sophomores: Sophia Grantham, G.

Outlook: Bears will need to work hard to improve on last year’s nine-win season.

Columbus

Coach: Dave Licari, 20th year. 2016-17: 4-18.

Returning starters – Seniors: Emily Goc, 5-6, G; Kennedy Jones, 5-1, G; Regi Zakrzewski, 5-4, G; Bailey Keller, 5-5, G. Juniors: Aspen Luebbe, 5-8. F.

Outlook: Discoverers hope to bounce back from last year’s four-win season.

Crete

Coach: Isaiah Dell, 5th year. 2016-17: 14-11.

Returning starters – Seniors: Camry Moore, 5-11, G/F. Sophomores: Morgan Maly, 6-0, G/F.

Outlook: The Cardinals can rebuild around Maly, who averaged almost 14 points last season.

Elkhorn

Coach: Jennifer Wragge, 12th year. 2016-17: 19-5, state qualifier.

Returning starters – Seniors: Brooke Carlson, 6-1, F; Carly Cameron, 5-9, G/F. Juniors: Payton Jakopovic, 5-4, G.

Outlook: The Antlers return their top three scorers from last year’s state tourney team; Carlson averaged 12.4 ppg, 8.3 rpg.

Elkhorn South

Coach: Terry Graver, 8th year. 2016-17, state qualifier.

Returning starters – None.

Outlook: The Storm graduated all five starters from last season; other players will need to step up.

Gering

Coach: Adam Freeburg, 8th year. 2016-17: 16-8.

Returning starters – Juniors: Makenzie Dunkel, 5-9, F; Paige Lopez, 5-4, G; Ariana Mitchell, 5-11, F.

Outlook: The Bulldogs return three starters from last year’s 16-win squad.

Grand Island Northwest

Coach: Rico Burkett, 2nd year. 2016-17: 11-13.

Returning starters – Seniors: Kelsey Placke, 5-11, F; Kylie Broich, 5-7, G; Madi Bahe, 5-5, G; Sierra Holliday, 6-1, C.

Outlook: Placke and Broich both averaged more than 10 points last season for the Vikings, who have high expectations this season.

Gretna

Coach: Jerome Skrdla, 24th year. 2016-17: 18-7, state qualifier.

Returning starters – Seniors: Faith Ross, 5-10, G; Abbie Huffman, 5-6, G.

Outlook: Dragons will rely heavily on Ross, who averaged 10 points last season.

Hastings

Coach: Greg Mays, 11th year. 2016-17: 9-15.

Returning starters – Seniors: Tatiem Bender, 5-6, G; Julia Reimer, 5-6, G; Emma Mays, 5-9, F.

Outlook: Tigers will be without leading scorer Olivia Douglas, who enrolled early at South Dakota State to play softball; team depth is a plus.

Holdrege

Coach: Kip Stephens, 22nd year. 2016-17: 10-12.

Returning starters – Seniors: Cassidy Connell, 5-10, C; Caitlin Piening, 5-3, G; Jessica Dahlin, 5-9, G.

Outlook: The Dusters hope to use their depth to improve on last year’s 10-win campaign.

Lexington

Coach: Hailey Mandelko, 2nd year. 2016-17: 3-21.

Returning starters – Seniors: Brylee Lauby, 5-6, G. Juniors: Courtney Hanson, 5-8, G.

Outlook: The MinuteMaids hope to show improvement for second-year coach Mandelko, a former standout at the school.

Norris

Coach: Mark Hagerman, 17th year. 2016-17: 19-7, state runner-up.

Returning starters – Seniors: Rylie Bryant, 5-4, G; Val Gabel, 5-9, F. Juniors: Maddy Ramsey, 5-7, G.

Outlook: Titans must replace top two scorers Makenna Sullivan and Anna Barent; underclassmen will be counted on early.

Omaha Duchesne

Coach: Casey Hall, 6th year. 2016-17: 10-13.

Returning starters – Seniors: Kirsten Nelson, G; Cecelia Schonlau, C. Juniors: Ella Bennett, G.

Outlook: Cardinals will need players with limited varsity experience to step up.

Omaha Gross

Coach: RJ Kammandel, 3rd year. 2016-17: 8-16.

Returning starters – Juniors: Grace Pechar, 5-10, G. Sophomores: Mackenna Sidzyik, 5-4, G; Achol Agau, 6-1, F; Julia Miller, 5-7, G.

Outlook: The Cougars hope to show improvement defensively this season; Agau averaged 9.3 ppg and 7.4 rpg last season.

Omaha Mercy

Coach: Scott Stara, 4th year. 2016-17: 6-18.

Returning starters – Seniors: Megan Wheeler, 5-6, G; Katherine Wurtz, 5-6, G; Laura Salerno, 6-0, C. Sophomores: Anna Sommers, 5-5, G.

Outlook: The Monarchs will benefit from the return of Salerno, who had a 9.5-point scoring average in 2015-16 but was injured last season.

Omaha Roncalli

Coach: Don Jensen, 22nd year. 2016-17: 12-12.

Returning starters – Seniors: Halle Meister, 6-0, C.

Outlook: The Crimson Pride graduated four starters from last season; the return of Meister is a positive.

Omaha Skutt

Coach: Marty Plum, 14th year. 2016-17: 16-9.

Returning starters – Juniors: Sydney McDermott, 6-1, C; Peyton Rohlfs, 5-8, F.

Outlook: SkyHawks have a nice mix of inside and perimeter players; Nebraska volleyball commit Lindsay Krause, a 6-3 freshman, could make an impact.

Plattsmouth

Coach: Steve Owens, 3rd year. 2016-17: 7-14.

Returning starters – Seniors: Katie Oatman, 5-6, F. Juniors: Rachel Widick, 5-7, F.

Outlook: Young Blue Devils will play mostly sophomores this season; Oatman is a two-year letterwinner.

Schuyler

Coach: Kadeyn Johnson, 1st year. 2016-17: 2-21.

Returning starters – Seniors: Haylee Korth, 5-6, G. Juniors: Rachel Shonka, 5-11, C.

Outlook: Lack of depth could be a factor for the guard-heavy Warriors.

Scottsbluff

Coach: David Bollish, 5th year. 2016-17: 7-17.

Returning starters – Seniors: Taylor Noe, 5-9, G/F; Devaney Halley, 5-2, G. Juniors: Kieyerah Twombly, 5-7, G. Sophomores: Aubrey Krentz, 5-6, G.

Outlook: Bearcats hope to turn it around after losing several close games last season.

Seward

Coach: Tom Tvrdy, 16th year. 2016-17: 19-7, state qualifier.

Returning starters – Seniors: Kate Mullally, 5-8, G; Kelsie Zadina, 5-8, G; Kendra Placke, 5-10, G; Rylee Opfer, 5-6, G. Juniors: Camryn Opfer, 6-0, F; Kayla Luebbe, 6-1, C.

Outlook: Hopes are high for the Bluejays, who return almost everyone from last year’s state tourney squad.

Sidney

Coach: Tyler Shaw, 12th year. 2016-17: 20-6, state qualifier.

Returning starters – Seniors: Natalie Radcliffe, 5-6, G. Juniors: Janay Brauer, 5-7, G; Meghan Ross, 5-3, G; Katelyn Sylvester, 5-8, F.

Outlook: The Lady Raiders graduated four seniors from last year’s state tourney squad; young players will be counted on often.

South Sioux City

Coach: Molly Hornbeck, 4th year. 2016-17: 26-2, state champion.

Returning starters – Juniors: McKenna Sims, 5-8, G; Taryn Christensen, 5-8, G.

Outlook: Defending-champion Cardinals graduated five seniors; the return of first-team All-Nebraska guard Sims (13.3 ppg) is a big plus.

Waverly

Coach: John Cockerill, 2nd year. 2017-17: 13-8.

Returning starters – Seniors: Clair Jones, 6-0. Juniors: Abigail Clarke, 5-9; Averie Lamprecht, 5-8.

Outlook: Vikings must replace leading scorer Taylor Cockerill (15.5 ppg); depth should be a strength.

York

Coach: Matt Kern, 12th year. 2016-17: 23-4, state qualifier.

Returning starters – Seniors: Lauren Riley, 5-10, G; Carsyn Zumpfe, 5-11, F; Tenly Hansen, 6-0, G.

Outlook: Dukes reached the state semifinals last year, losing in overtime to eventual champ South Sioux City; return of Riley (14.4 ppg) is a positive.

Arlington

Coach: Luke Brenn, 6th year. 2016-17: 10-12.

Returning starters – Seniors: May Hoesing, G/F; Chloe Iossi, F; Shelby Kaup, G/F. Juniors: Maggie Schmidt, G/F; Taylor Wakefield, G/F.

Outlook: Brenn, who coached the team from 2005-2010, returns to lead the team; Eagles don’t have the numbers and must avoid injuries.

Ashland-Greenwood

Coach: Barry Fangmeyer, 4th year. 2016-17: 4-19.

Returning starters – Seniors: Taya Craven, 6-0, C. Juniors: Haley Lyons, 5-5, G. Sophomores: Mackenzie Mayer, 5-9, G; Hannah Hatzenbuehler, 5-9, F.

Outlook: Bluejays will count heavily on younger players to contribute.

Conestoga

Coach: Jahn Kile. 2016-17: 12-10.

Returning starters – Seniors: Autumn Hardesty, 5-4, G; Sophia Svanda, 5-10, C; Courtney Wagner, 5-7, G. Juniors: Sierra Kile, 5-9, G.

Outlook: Cougars return four starters and hope to be more competitive.

Douglas County West

Coach: Taylor Baumert, 3rd year. 2016-17: 2-20.

Returning starters – Juniors: Regan Glock, 5-7, G. Sophomores: Rachel MacDonald, 5-7, G; Mazzy Johnson, 5-5, G.

Outlook: The Falcons are young and don’t have a lot of depth; playing tough defense will be key.

Fort Calhoun

Coach: Allie Schleifer, 4th year. 2016-17: 16-8.

Returning starters – Seniors: Hannah Warner, 5-9, G/F. Juniors: Taya Skelton, 5-3, G.

Outlook: The Pioneers came within one win of state last year, losing to Columbus Scotus in the district final; eight of 17 players this season are freshmen.

Louisville

Coach: Wally Johnson, 11th year. 2016-17: 23-3, state qualifier.

Returning starters – Juniors: Jordan Winkler, 5-6, G; Meagan Mackling, 5-7, G.

Outlook: A tough schedule and the graduation of the team’s top three scorers will be major hurdles for the Lions.

Mead

Coach: Jill Scanlon, 3rd year. 2016-17: 6-14.

Returning starters – Seniors: June Johnson, 5-8, F; Jayden Haag, 6-0, C. Juniors: Michyla Lihs, 5-2, G. Sophomores: Delaney Patocka, 5-6, F.

Outlook: Raiders return everyone from last season so expectations are high.

Omaha Brownell-Talbot

Coach: Jacob Dahlke, 2nd year. 2016-17: 3-17.

Returning starters – Juniors: Eliza Rice, 5-10, G; Miranda Knopfcynski, 5-9, F.

Outlook: The Raiders hope to bounce back from last year’s disappointing season.

Omaha Concordia

Coach: Matt Shafer, 2nd year. 2016-17: 11-11.

Returning starters – Seniors: Mackenzie Sorenson, 5-6, G; Casey Thompson, 5-5, G; Carley Schwarting, 5-8, F; Samantha Powell, 5-7, G; Maddie Salak, 5-7, F. Juniors: Kara Jennings, 5-7, G.

Outlook: The Mustangs hope to capitalize on speed and depth.

Wahoo

Coach: Linda Walker, 21st year. 2016-17: 17-7.

Returning starters – Seniors: Taryn Scheef, 5-9, G/F; Brianna Brabec, 5-6, G. Juniors: Hallie Reeves, 5-9, G; Elly Larson, 5-11, F/C.

Outlook: Warriors will ride the momentum of a state volleyball title; Reeves (16.8 ppg) and Scheef (13.1 ppg) will help lead the way.

Wahoo Neumann

Coach: Jason Simons, 10th year. 2016-17: 22-4, state qualifier.

Returning starters – Seniors: Aspen Jansa, 5-7, G; Jessina Rada, 5-7, G.

Outlook: The Cavaliers must replace four senior starters from last year’s state tourney team; Jansa averaged 15.3 ppg last season.

Weeping Water

Coach: Joel Haveman, 4th year. 2016-17: 15-10.

Returning starters – Seniors: Katrina Thomassen, 5-4, G. Sophomores: Peyton Barrett, 5-5, G.

Outlook: The Indians hope to build on the momentum of last year’s 15-win season.

Yutan

Coach: Rod Henkel, 11th year. 2016-17: 12-12.

Returning starters – Seniors: Noelle Josoff, 5-3, G; Liberty Josoff, 5-6, G; Frankie Hendricks, 5-6, G.

Outlook: Chieftains have depth but must replace graduated leader Maddie Davis.

Nebraska prep girls basketball rankings – Nov. 29