Carver Bears
1997 record: 9-1.
Coach: Linda Hollis.
Top players: Rodnia Johnson, Sr., H; Renauda Stewart, Sr., S; Keenani Haskins, Sr., H
Outlook: Hollis is excited about her returning underclassmen, and expects to be competitive again this season. Haskins is a four-year starter.
Catholic Cubs
1997 record: 4-14.
Coach: Nichole Jones.
Top players: Tiffany Parr, Sr., S; Sarah Betlejewski, Sr., MH; Alisyne Fabiszak, Sr., OH.
Outlook: The Cubs lost six players to graduation and have yet another new coach. Still, Jones will be looking for improvement over last year. Parr and Betlejewski have club experience and a good group moves up from JV. Although the Cubs look strong offensively, Jones has stressed the need to hustle and work hard against the tough competition of the Catholic League.
City Knights
1997 record: 14-1.
Coach: Linda Holmes.
Top players: Shelby Myers, Sr., S/H; Erica Brown, Jr., Utl.; Quinna Dunn, Sr., H; Teresa Weathers, Sr., H.
Outlook: The city finalists were hit hard by graduation, and Holmes will have an influx of JV performers up this year. "We're not where we were last year," said Holmes. "We're a little more aggressive and working hard."
Douglass Ducks
1997 record: 0-11.
Coach: John Robinson.
Outlook: Robinson replaces Mary Hughee, now at Northern. He expects a rebuilding season for the Ducks. "We'll be starting from scratch," said Robinson, who's also the varsity baseball coach.
Dunbar Poets
1997 record: NA.
Coach: Kelvin Furlow.
Outlook: Furlow, an assistant from 1992 to 1996, takes over. "We're not going to do anything fancy, and take it from there," said Furlow. "This is basically a rebuilding year for them."
Edmondson Redskins
1997 record: NA.
Coach: Anton Sawyer.
Top players: Obie Nnadi, Sr., S; Karen Kennedy, Jr., H.
Outlook: The Redskins also were hit hard by graduation, but Sawyer is confident her team will be competitive.
Forest Park Foresters
1997 record: 4-8.
Coach: Greg Warren.
Top players: Tangier Floyd, Sr., H; Sheena Montague, So., H; Sheena Booker, Fr., H; Jasmine Hill, Sr., H; Gloria Briggs, Fr., H.
Outlook: A good turnout of players has Warren pleased, though Forest Park will be inexperienced. "We're definitely young, but athletic," Warren said. "We'll be competitive and better from last year."
Friends Quakers
1997 record: 10-2.
Coach: Staci Barbero.
Top players: Chelsea Kehne, Jr., OH; Kirsten Coe, Jr., D; Lesley Wojcik, Jr., OH; Anouck Erni, Jr., OH.
Outlook: The Quakers lost to McDonogh in the AIS A Division championship last year and should again have a good team. Most of the team's key players return, as this is a group that's growing together and should again be a force in the A Division.
Institute of Notre Dame Indians
1997 record: 15-10.
Coach: Dona Terveer.
Top players: Katie Riggins, Jr., S; Pam Stefanski, Sr., OH; Mindy Tudor, Sr., MH; Melissa Monaghan, Jr., MH; Lindsay Norton, Jr., OH; Stephanie Howard, Jr., MH.
Outlook: The Indians finished in the middle of the Catholic League pack last year, but they had great success at times, including winning Western's tournament. A solid defensive team, the Indians don't let much hit the floor, but with more experience, they should also present a potent offense. Look for the Indians to make a move in the Catholic League.
Lake Clifton Lakers
1997 record: 0-14
Coach: Susan Greene
Top players: Chrishenda Williams, Jr., H; Robin Clayton, Sr., Utl.; Faith Moore, Jr., B
Outlook: After going winless last season, the Lakers have nowhere to go but up. Greene says she will have a host of newcomers to go with returnees Williams, Clayton, Moore. "We'll be learning together," said Greene. "The girls [Williams, Moore and Clayton] have taken it upon themselves to help the young players learn."
Mercy Magic
1997 record: 23-2.
Coach: Louie Sowers.
Top players: Michelle Russell, Sr., S; Tara Singleton, Jr., OH; Kelli McKee, So., MH; Erin McKay, So., OH.
Outlook: The defending Catholic League champs lost most of their power with the graduation of All-Metro powerhouse Stephanie Hansen, but new coach Sowers is not expecting a rebuilding year. Despite losing five starters, the Magic returns solid players and could have a more balanced look. Sowers said her team has a lot of depth and excellent teamwork. Don't look for Mercy to fall far off the pace, although the Catholic League title could be a tight race with the Magic, St. Mary's and Spalding the likely front-runners.
Mervo Mustangs
1997 record: NA.
Coach: Nancy Havranek.
Top player: Takisha Robinson, Jr., Utl.
Outlook: Havranek said he thinks the Mustangs will be solid fundamentally, and should be in the middle of the pack.
Northern Vikings
1997 record: NA.
Coach: Mary Hughee.
Outlook: Hughee, who coached at Douglass for 19 years, takes over at Northern. "We're getting to know each other," she said. "We hope to develop a team with hard work and commitment."
Patterson Clippers
1997 record: 7-10.
Coach: Dan Chicorelli.
Top players: Melanie Eshenbaugh, Sr., H; Jen Brown, Sr., S; Lashawn Neal, Sr., S; Jessica Tote, Jr., H; Marianna Phillis, So., S; Natalie Harris, So., H; Rena Ramirez, So., H; Tamesha Chester, Jr., H; Tenesha Chester, Jr., H.
Outlook: Chicorelli said the Clippers are in better shape than last year. They don't have much height, but Chicorelli said they can be competitive.
Poly Engineers
1997 record: 8-6
Coach: Norman Perry
Top players: Isoke DeLeon, Sr., H/B; Luquonda Williams, Sr., S; Kezia Snyder, Sr., H; Shannell Haley, Sr., H
Outlook: Perry, in his 18th season, says his team is ready physically, but he is unsure about its cohesiveness. He expects the Engineers to hit their stride by midseason. "The girls are very confident," said Perry, "but you have to put in what you expect to get out of it."
Roland Park Reds
1997 record: 2-14.
Coach: Scott Master.
Top players: Lindsey Gulpe, So., S/OH; Lauren Dodrill, So., MH; Laurie Unruh, Jr., S/OH; Tiffanni Jefferson, Jr., O/MH; Maria Smith, Jr., OH.
Outlook: New coach Master takes over a young team with no seniors. Some of the players have played together, which could help the team's development. The Reds have done well in early preseason work, and Gulpe, Unruh and Dodrill will be keys on offense for Master.
Seton Keough Gators
1997 record: 8-6.
Coach: Bill Jones.
Top players: Tess Romiti, Sr., S; Stephanie Mathe, Jr., OH; Kristen Wells, Sr., OH; Sarah Walsh, Sr., OH.
Outlook: The Gators get a boost from Mathe, a power-hitting transfer from Mount Hebron, who will help fill the void left by the graduation of two All-Catholic League honorable-mention hitters. Their eight returning players include one of the top setters in Romiti, a first-team All-League pick. With their experience and the addition of Mathe, the Gators should be a factor in the Catholic League race.
Southern Bulldogs
1997 record: 4-9.
Coach: Bill Parker.
Top player: Aiesha Martin, Jr., S.
Outlook: Parker says this season will be for rebuilding after losing nearly the entire team to graduation. Martin is the lone returnee with any playing experience.
Walbrook Warriors
1997 record: NA.
Coach: Vanessa Marion.
Top players: Samone Smart, Jr., S/H; Dena McGriff, Sr., S/H; Lavern Alston, Sr., H.
Outlook: Marion says Walbrook has a more positive attitude from last season as many of them played summer basketball together. Marion thinks McGriff is one of the best setters in the city. "We're a little more determined," said Marion. "We're able to block well, but we need to improve gradually before the state playoffs."
Western Doves
1997 record: NA.
Coach: Anna Gibbs.
Top players: Ericka Butler, So., H; Joy Gorham, Jr., H; Selena Gaskins, Sr., H.
Outlook: The reigning city champs lost five starters, and have been practicing outside while repairs are done on Western's gym. Gibbs says her players' exposure to club programs has helped advance the Doves' preseason preparation. Western lacks experience and a strong setter, but it's still the team to beat in the city.
Pub Date: 9/09/98