RRR - Burning Questions 2003-04

15 Burning Questions
for the 2003-04 Season
by the RRR, September 11, 2003

Region | State | College
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Questions for the Region

1. Will Highland senior transfer Julie DeMuth be able to help Merrillville meet the hyped expectations for this season?

The buzz began immediately with the transfer of the area's Player of the Year to Pirate country. With D1 shooting guard prospect Marshay Jolly and soph phenom center Brittney Moore, the Pirates look to be one of the favorites to blaze a trail from the Region to Indy come tournament time. But will DeMuth be able to find her niche with the Pirates? And if she does, can Coach Bob Maicher get his players to make room on the court for a potential Miss Basketball candidate in order to reach their team goals? The key will be Pirate veteran Jolly, who has the power to set the tone for the rest of her teammates where DeMuth is concerned. Additional transfers in sophomore guard Michelle Cannon from Gary Wirt and junior power forward Natasha Jennings from Lew Wallace will only make the Pirates deeper. If Jolly sets a positive tone and the Pirates find a rhythm with the new additions, there might not be a team in the area -- or the state -- to stop them.

2. Can East Chicago duplicate their no-loss regular season of a year ago?

That depends. Lots of young talent is back, including super-duper soph Delaquese Jernigan (5'11 G/F), who has been turning heads all summer on the college exposure circuit. Also back are 6'1 junior center and leading scorer Jernita Moore (left) and Jernigan's backcourt mate, 5'8 sophomore guard/forward Kelly Watts. But who will be the stabilizing and emotional leader of this team? Lots of quality senior leadership walked out the doors of ECC with diplomas last June. If coach Ron Edmonds can find a strong, mature team leader, he could see a near repeat of last season. The Cardinals will be tested early on their schedule -- they travel to Merrillville on November 26 for what is sure to be a battle royale and a possible preview to a regional showdown.

3. Will the new DAC home-and-home format last for more than one season?

Although a common practice in college conferences with 30+ game schedules, this format will certainly break some modern ground in the Northern part of the state for high school play. Currently only one other conference in the state follows the H&H format -- Eastern Indiana Conference in the southeastern part of the state (Franklin County, Batesville, etc.). The EIC only has six members, locking in only 10 conference games on their schedules each season. The Duneland will lock up 14 games for each conference member. Although this format is a breeze for athletic directors (they never have to leave their home court since the boys will be playing the same night as the girls), this could create a number of problems for DAC coaches, players, and fans.

For coaches, the majority of teams will face another DAC opponent not twice, but likely three times during the season. Sectional 2 is an all-DAC affair. How do you beat a quality opponent three times during the same season? Coaches will be racking their brains for weeks on that one.
For players, a 14-game DAC commitment limits quality non-conference travel opportunities, and top players will see very limited exposure for post-season state honors. (As if being a Region Rat weren't enough to hold down your cause.)
For fans, how exciting can it be to watch your team play the same opponents up to three times in one season? And with the boys playing the same opponent on the same night as the girls, cross-over fans will have a tough choice to make each Friday and Saturday night.

Doesn't look to promising, but then again, we could be wrong on all points. Guess we'll all find out together if this experiment has longevity or not.

4. Can Highland recreate the magic of the past with a new coach and without their star player to stay atop of the LAC?

The shakeup at Highland has been huge. Gone is coach Chris Huppenthal and his .830 winning percentage over the past nine years. Also gone is team leader Julie DeMuth and her 17.7 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. Old-but-new coach (former boys coach at HHS) Mike Urban has his work cut out with the departure of a Junior All Star and five very quality seniors. But if anyone can get the most out of what he's got, this coach can. With a reputation for being able to squeeze water from stone, the new Trojans coach will have a chance to rebuild and begin a new era of girls basketball in Highland. As for this season, Calumet coach Dori Downing and senior point guard Kiki Bytner have to be salivating at the thought of a DeMuth-less LAC.

5. Will the "Region," representing 52 teams in Northwest Indiana, have a member on the Indiana All-Star team after a miserable two-year drought?

We're predicting that, barring any injuries, Northwest Indiana will have at least one player on the 2004 Indiana All Star team... maybe two, if a certain team makes a run deep into the state tournament. NWI's last representation on the All-Star team was Highland's Jenny DeMuth (Indiana University) in 2001.

Questions for the State

1. Who will be Miss Basketball in 2004?

Not since 2000, when Sara Nord of Jeffersonville was crowned Indiana's best, have the Miss Basketball waters been as murky as they are this season. The field is WIDE open and, although there are some very good candidates, there is no clear frontrunner. For the past three years -- 2001 Shyra Ely (Ben Davis), 2002 Shanna Zolman (Wawasee), 2003 Katie Gearlds (Beech Grove) -- the winners of Miss Basketball were considered frontrunners their freshman year. No player like that exists in the class of 2004. It is even possible that a player with little or no hype up until this point could whisk away the honor with a stellar senior season and a long tournament run. For the first time in a long time, the votes will definitely count.

2. Can fabulous '05 junior Jodi Howell of Alexandria possibly repeat her scoring exploits of last season?

This fun-to-watch player burst onto the Indiana basketball scene as a freshman under coaching dad John Howell in 2001, averaging 25.9 points per game during a 25-1 campaign. Last season as a sophomore, she upped that number to 28.0 points per game. Although there is no denying that this 5'11 all-state guard is the real deal, is she ready for the defensive attention she will receive this season without scoring partner Jackie Closser in the backcourt? Closser (22.2 ppg), now at Butler, kept opponents' defenses honest. Now Howell will face all of that defensive attention herself and without a heady point guard (5.8 apg) to feed her the ball. This season will test 2005's leading candidate for Miss Basketball to the limit; but if she's capable, she could finally top the scoring leaders this season after trailing behind Shanna Zolman and Katie Gearlds the past two years.

3. Who will be the freshman phenoms to plant their feet as early 2007 Miss Basketball candidates?

The buzz is that two post players may break the ice of that normal breakout frosh season usually reserved for backcourt players. Depending on the talent that surrounds them the next four years (translation = capable guards who can make a good lob pass) incoming freshmen TaShia Phillips of Indianapolis Brebeuf, and Kristen Dockery, a South Bend St. Joseph's addition, could break the prototypical mold of Miss Basketball frontrunners. Both players, at 6'3 or better, are being predicted as major impact players for their respective teams. Phillips is already receiving mail from top programs, including Penn State, Purdue and UCLA. As far as Dockery is concerned, the rich just keep getting richer. SB St. Joe's could dominate the 3A division for the next three or four years, and a stellar guard lineup and possible state finals appearances will only help the cause for this center to receive the attention needed for a Miss Basketball run.

4. Will any of the state's top winning active coaches retire after this season?

Tom May of Crown Point
by strempkagallery.com

Six of the top ten career coaching leaders are still actively coaching and don't seem to be losing any steam at the present. But in order to get near the top, it means you've put in a LOT of years already. Which of the following coaches is most likely to hang up the clipboard after this season? The key may be if any of these coaches can go out "on top". NOTE: Watch for a showdown later this season when two of these coaches go head to head. Crown Point will travel to Warsaw in November for the annual battle of basketball wits between Tom May (right) and Will Wienhorst .

1. Donna Cheatham, Southwestern - 479 wins
2. Steve Neff, NorthWood - 448 wins
4. Wayne Krieger, Columbia City - 446 wins
6. Will Wienhorst, Warsaw - 393 wins
7. Tom May, Crown Point - 390 wins
10. Alan Vickrey, North Central - 346 wins

5. Who will be back at Conseco to defend their state titles? Anyone? Anyone?

We think it's unlikely for at least three of last season's state champions, and here's why...

4A Kokomo lost six seniors and nearly 45 points per game with graduation. There will be no returning players who scored in double figures, although senior Lisa Thompson (7.5 ppg) and sophomore Audrey McDonald (5.0 ppg) will be a good start in a rebuilding phase for the Kats.
In 3A, do everything player and 2003 Miss Basketball Katie Gearlds is wearing gold and black this season, and not the familiar orange and black of Beech Grove. The departure of head coach Dawn McNew to the Sunshine State does not bode well for the Hornets either. Don't tell that to the BG faithful or returning starters Emily Ringham (5.8 ppg), Mandy Seward (6.4 ppg, 4.1 apg), Jenni Moore (7.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg) and Nichole Helfrich (9.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg). They are out to prove that they can survive without their statistical and emotional leader. But another trip to the state finals THIS year? That is a huge goal to fulfill without Miss Gearlds.
Shenandoah junior Kara Keesling (left) will try to help her Raiders return to Conseco for the fourth consecutive time this season.

2A Shenandoah lost two Division I talents -- yes, we know that Amanda Norris went D-II, but she was D-I caliber -- and 30 points per game to graduation. But, lo and behold, the cupboard is not bare for the Raiders. The junior trio of Chelsea Miller (15.3 ppg), Kara Keesling (9.4 ppg) and Charli McCord (6.0 ppg), along with sophomore Amber McKinley (5.9 ppg), create a nice returning core for head coach Todd Salkoski. All of these players understand what it takes to get to the state finals, having never had a season without a trip to Conseco. However, some quality 2A teams with Division I talent -- such as Indian Creek, Heritage Christian and Rochester -- are reserving space in their trophy cases for a 2A state championship prize, too.
In 1A, Tri-Central lost a some of their offense to diplomas, including 25.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, but a great deal of offensive firepower returns. Senior center Kristen Miller (12.5 ppg, 9.7 rpg), sophomore point guard Meranda Burnett (12.7 ppg, 4.3 apg) and sophomore forward Kaci Allen (5.7 ppg, 4.6 rpg) all return to the lineup. These three provide a solid 03-04 nucleus for coach Kathie Layden. With the graduation of most of the key players from state final contender North Vermillion, Tri-Central could be the best bet for a championship repeat. But again, there are other quality 1A teams with a lot returning -- Randolph Southern, Clinton Prairie and Southwestern (Shelbyville) -- who could stand in the way of a replicating last season's Trojan success.

Questions for College Basketball

1. Which D-I programs in Indiana are on the rise?

Practically all of them! While at least two of the "Big Three" attained a bit of relative success last season, the other instate D-I programs have been mining Hoosier talent for the past few years, and with promising results. Teams to watch out for this season and in the future:

Ball State – Coach Tracy Roller (right), a Crown Point grad, has put together a solid team with mostly home-grown talent. The Lady Cardinals finished 21-10 last year and took home a share of the MAC overall conference title for the second year in a row. Ball State advanced to the WNIT losing to Missouri in the second round by a score of 88-77. BSU returns key Indiana players who have had a big impact including Dana Collins (Decatur Central), Kate Endress (Evansville Memorial), Johna Goff (Franklin) and Jessica Reiter (Penn).
Butler – Head coach Beth Couture just inked a contract extension through the 2006-07 season. Why? Because despite a 6-23 record last season, the Lady Bulldogs showed much improvement. They should be incrementally better this year as they add top Indiana freshmen Jackie Closser (Alexandria) and Ellen Hamilton (Greenfield Central). Also back after an injury redshirt season is sharpshooter Maria Marchesano (FW Elmhurst), who was named to the Horizon All-Newcomer Team as a frosh. Next year, however, could be the biggest year of improvement for the Bulldogs. They’ll add Jessica Wright (Cathedral), a transfer from Illinois, and 2004 Indiana recruits Candace Bain (Clarksville) and Cassie Freeman (Heritage Christian).
Evansville – Head coach Tricia Cullop (North Knox) and the Aces finished 11-16 last season, but suffered the absence of a lot of talent due to injuries throughout the season, including Megan Liffick (Whiteland) who was on a scoring roll before a torn ACL sidelined her seven games into the season for the remainder of her rookie campaign. Lots of Indiana kids are on the Aces' roster, including 6'2 Indiana All-Star Laura Gaybrick (Perry Meridian) and 6'6 Region product Amanda DeVries (Kankakee Valley), who will both fill a hole in the scant middle for UE. If the injured players return to last year’s early season form and the freshmen contribute, look for the Lady Aces to once again be a legitimate threat in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Indiana State – Coach Jim Wiedie is building a potential Top 25 program in Terre Haute. The Lady Sycamores finished 22-9 last season and lost to Ball State in the first round of the WNIT. Sophomore Melanie Boeglin (Terre Haute South) had an tremendous freshmen year, and with the addition of former THS teammate and Toledo transfer Kristen Weddle, look for the Sycamores to be making travel plans for a trip to the Big Dance in March.
Valparaiso – Successful head coach Keith Freeman also signed a contract extension recently, this one through 2006-07. Valparaiso finished 18-13 last year, and advanced to their first-ever NCAA appearance. The Crusaders lost to Purdue 66-51 in the NCAA first round at Mackey Arena, but not before giving the Boilermakers an early game scare. Valpo U will rely on the gutsy leadership of Katie Boone (Center Grove) and the sharp shooting of Suzie Hammel (Lebanon) this year to attempt a repeat of last season's success. NWI products Jamie Gutowski (Andrean) and Lauren Bechtold (Hebron), should also figure prominently in the 2003-04 Crusader campaign.

2. Which players are expected to best represent the Hoosier State in college basketball this season?

Without a doubt, Indiana's 2001 top prep-to-college players, Jackie Batteast (South Bend Washington) at Notre Dame and Shyra Ely (Ben Davis) at Tennessee, are currently the most recognized and respected Hoosier players on the college front. Both players have been racking up the 2003-04 preseason accolades already, as both were nominated for the prestigious John Wooden and Wade Trophy awards.

Batteast, a two-time All Big East forward, led the Irish in scoring, rebounding, and blocked shots last year, and yet some people felt she had an off year. This was probably related to her NCAA Tournament performance where she struggled from the field; but more than likely she’s a victim of her own success after having an outstanding freshman season. Jackie shouldered most of the scoring responsibility last year while newcomer starters Megan Duffy and Courtney LaVere learned the Irish system. So what can we expect from Jackie this year? Well, if you’ve been following Notre Dame basketball, you'll know that Jackie has been working extremely hard to improve her perimeter game and her on-court confidence. Knowing Jackie, she’s probably living in the gym. If Duffy and LaVere play up to their potential, and the team finds an aggressive rhythm, watch out for Notre Dame this year.

Ely is ready for that breakout year. She finished on fire last season scoring 18 points and grabbing 17 rebounds against Kentucky, then scoring in double figures in all four NCAA Tournament games. Shyra finished last season as Tennessee’s third leading scorer, averaging 9.7 points and adding 6.6 rebounds per game. She led the Lady Vols in scoring during the team's European trip this summer, and now seems ready to become one of the emotional leaders for the team. Many are saying that Tennessee will be down this year with the loss of two key seniors to graduation; but if Ely has that breakout season we expect, and if Indiana native Shanna Zolman (Wawasee) is allowed to let loose with that deadly perimeter stroke she is so well known for around these parts, Coach Pat Summit and her charges can give all the naysayers a great big "We told ya so!" at tournament time.

3. Can Beech Grove's Katie Gearlds make the transition from high school to college ball as easily as many expect?

Katie Gearlds She’s wearing #1 at Purdue this year and why not? She was Miss Basketball, First Team All-State, led her high school team to a State Championship, was a member of the gold medal team at the USA Basketball Youth Developmental Festival, an AAU All-American, and the list goes on and on. Staying instate, Katie will be a favorite of most fans to follow this season. But the transition from high school ball to college ball is not an easy one, especially on a team that has high expectations for the season and in a league as physical and tough as the Big Ten.

So, how will Katie fare at Purdue this season? We say look for big things. Katie brings a well-balanced game and a winner's attitude to the Lady Boilers. She can hit the three, shoot off the dribble, post up smaller guards, penetrate and create defensive havoc for smaller guards on the perimeter and on the press with that super wingspan. She’ll add scoring punch for the Boilers, but we say give her a few games to become accustomed to the physical play of the Big Ten. Like any frosh, she'll make freshman mistakes, but she will definitely make a positive impact.

4. Speaking of impact players, who from the Class of 2003 will make the biggest impact for their respective D-I teams?

Last season, 2002 Indiana All-Star Melanie Boeglin (Terre Haute South) was hands-down the biggest impact-maker at ISU as a freshman. Indiana guard Cyndi Valentin (Bloomington South) and Miami (Ohio) guard Cindi Merrill (Noblesville) earned starting roles as freshmen. And before their injuries, Megan Liffick (Whiteland) of Evansville and Jenny Pfeiffer (Jennings County) of Kentucky also became mainstays in the starting lineup for their teams. As for the Class of '03, here’s just a few who might mean the most to their teams:

Jackie Closser (Alexandria) at Butler – Although Butler has an all-defensive senior point guard returning, Jackie could set the tempo for the Lady Bulldogs as a very solid backup. She’s cat quick, basketball smart and can score. If Coach Beth Couture really wants to drive opponents crazy, she'll put both PGs in the lineup at once.
Suntana Granderson (South Bend Riley) (right) and Miranda Green (Pike) at Xavier – Xavier lost a duo of outstanding guards to graduation -- one of which was nationally recognized Amy Waugh of Homestead -- and either or both Granderson and Green could slide into those spots if they make the transition to college ball quick enough. Granderson is very athletic and could play a number of positions at Xavier. Green is lightning quick with swarming hands and feet that make her a tough defender.
Liz Honegger (Lafayette Jeff) at Bowling Green – We think the best things are yet to come for gritty Liz. Her toughness could help the Lady Falcons on the boards immediately. And given the chance, she can also score in bunches.
Sarah VanMetre (Noblesville) at Eastern Michigan – Sarah continued to get better and better throughout her senior season, and we expect that trend to continue on this season. She could end up playing a number of positions and even crack the starting lineup for EMU.
Duenna Hendrix (Kokomo) at Richmond – With a solid but quick body, Hendrix won't meet many tougher than she is at the wing position. She will cause a lot of matchup problems for opponents with her physical strength and first-step speed.

5. Does anybody care who we think the Top 10 college teams are this year?

Probably not, but we're gonna tell you anyway. Okay, it’s not the Associated Press or the Coaches Poll, but here’s our attempt at picking the preseason NCAA Top 10:

1. UCONN – somebody has to beat them before they lose the top ranking.
2. DUKE – So much talent, but they will have to come together at the right time.
3. TEXAS – Play a physical game so they will need to stay healthy.
4. TENNESSEE – Just add a little more perimeter scoring and watch out.
5. LOUISIANA STATE – Very athletic. Better be in shape when you play them.
6. TEXAS TECH – Lots of talent, this could be their year.
7. KANSAS STATE – Lots of firepower.
8. PURDUE – Senior leadership + solid freshman class.
9. GEORGIA – Back at full strength.
10. MINNESOTA – One of the nation’s toughest players, could be a big, big year.

Pushing the Top 10: Penn State, Notre Dame, Utah, LA Tech, Rutgers, North Carolina, TCU, and UCSB