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Clearfield girls basketball team optimistic about season
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
By Jon Christoff Sports Writer
HYDE - After last year's run to the District 9 title game and a PIAA play-in appearance, the Clearfield girls basketball team is hungry for more.
The Lady Bisons, who return seven letterwinners to this season's squad, came up short in both endeavors last season, and Clearfield head coach Joey Castagnolo is optimistic his team can be in a similar position this season.
"Last year was a stepping stone for this year," said Castagnolo. "The girls are playing with a lot of confidence. We have a lot of versatility with the seven seniors, and things have been going real well in practice and in our two scrimmages."
With the versatility of the seven senior letterwinners, Castagnolo could use any combination on any given night.
One constant in the Lady Bisons lineup, though, is returning Progressland first-teamer Gwenn Porter.
Porter returns as the team's leading scorer and defender, as she boasted a 7.4 points per game average to go along with 76 assists and 60 steals.
Joining Porter in the backcourt are classmates Angela Moore and Madison Sopic, while the front court will consist of Jayme Ryan, Elizabeth Peters, Amber Byerly and Lori Zalno.
"I'm going to give every one of them a shot," Castagnolo said of his seniors, "and they know if they don't perform that there's someone on the bench ready to play. I have some talented underclassmen that I'm trying to work in with them. They've shown great leadership by trying to teach the younger girls the ropes."
Castagnolo will give sophomores Lisa Ambuski and Rachel Thompson some minutes, as well as freshman Breanna Peters. Sophomores Julia Ammerman and Kristen Butler are currently battling through injuries and could see some PT upon their return.
With Castagnolo's uptempo philosophy, Ryan has thrived in knocking down shots from the outside. As teams concentrate on Clearfield's perimeter attack, Castagnolo thinks his post players could have a big impact.
Byerly and (Elizabeth) Peters combined to score 8.9 points per game last season, but their head coach thinks he could see an improvement in that area this season.
"We've been working on getting the ball inside because team's like to shut our outside game off," said Castagnolo. "I'd like to try to dump it inside (more this season).
"Team's don't have to scout me ... they know what I'm going to do. We have some athletes that can run the floor, and we're really working to have our defense lead to our offense. We're working hard on that. The kids really like my style, but you have to be in shape so we've been working a lot on conditioning."
With the returning experience he has, Castagnolo has just one concern entering the season - his schedule.
Clearfield has just one game scheduled before traveling to Bald Eagle Area's Christmas tournament, and will play most of its schedule after the New Year.
"I'm real worried about our schedule," Castagnolo said.
"We play 19 games in seven weeks, and we only play one game before Christmas. If we get a sickness or we get snow days, we're going to be on top of each other playing games. That's the only thing I'm concerned about because if a sickness goes around ... you know how that can go through a team."
The Lady Bisons entertain Coudersport in their season opener on Friday. Roster
Seniors
*Amber Byerly, *Angela Moore, *Elizabeth Peters, *Gwenn Porter, *Jayme Ryan, *Madison Sopic, *Lori Zalno.
Juniors
Sierra Grice, Johanna Ryan.
Sophomores
Lisa Ambuski, Julia Ammerman, Kristen Butler, Briana Ianaro, Mia Keener, Ciara Marsh, Janelle Mumma, Kate Sheeder, Rachel Thompson.
Freshmen
Breanna Peters, Brittany Renaud.
*Denotes returning letterwinners.
Schedule
December
11-Coudersport; 28/29-at Bald Eagle Area Tournament, TBA.
January
4-at Philipsburg-Osceola; 6-Ridgway; 8-at Bradford; 12-Brookville; 15-at DuBois; 18-at Johnsonburg; 20-Elk County Catholic; 22-at St. Marys; 25-at Union; 27-at Punxsutawney; 29-Bradford.
February
1-St. Marys; 5-at Brookville; 8-Johnsonburg; 9-at Elk County Catholic; 12-DuBois; 15-Curwensville; 17-Punxsutawney; 19-at Harmony.
Varsity games begin at 7:30 p.m. unless noted.
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