Middling expectations for Lady Falcons

Westosha Central senior Mackenzie Meyers (14) figures to lead the Central girls in the middle of the Southern Lakes Conference this season. (File Photo)
Westosha Central senior Mackenzie Meyers (14) figures to lead the Central girls in the middle of the Southern Lakes Conference this season. (File Photo)

By Jason Arndt

Staff Writer

If history is any indication, Westosha Central High School’s girls basketball squad could meet its goal of finishing among the top four in the Southern Lakes Conference this year.

In 2014-15, the Falcons finished sixth in the SLC at 5-9 (11-11 overall), but lost in its WIAA Division 2 regional round game to Elkhorn.

However, third-year coach Jerod Boyd remains upbeat about this year’s outlook, citing steady improvement, which includes a jump from 7-16 in 2013-14 to 11-11 last season.

“My expectations are to finish somewhere in the middle of the SLC. I would like to win a couple games that we aren’t supposed to win,” Boyd said. “I think our defense will be improved from last year.”

Returning letter-winners for Westosha Central are seniors Elaine Anderson, a 5-foot-8 forward, and 5-7 guard Mackenzie Meyers along with 5-7 junior guard/forward Colleen Nolan.

Both seniors will take on captain roles this year after Anderson scored 98 and Meyers notched 61 last year.

“They are amazing leaders! They give me everything they have, every time they step on the floor,” Boyd said. “They were will be our captains and our emotional leaders.”

The seniors have led the way for the Falcons in its first two nonconference games, with Anderson tabulating 16 and Meyers with 11 in losses at Whitewater and Jefferson.

Both also contributed defensively, with six boards for Meyers and Anderson pitching in with three blocked shots at Jefferson Nov. 17.

Additionally, the Falcons return 5-foot guard Maxi Marinis and 5-5 senior forward Jenna Jester.

Marinis scored all nine of her points from beyond the arc in the 76-42 loss at Jefferson Nov. 17.

“I give my guards the green light to shoot 3’s,” Boyd said. “We practice them daily and I have taught them the shooting form and shooting mentality.”

The mentality could parlay into success for Nolan, who could step up and give more defensive stability this season, according to Boyd.

In the Nov. 17 loss to Jefferson, Nolan went 2-for-3 from field goal range, snagged two rebounds and had a steal.

“She has a great scoring mindset with a lot of the physical capabilities,” Boyd said. “I will also expect her to become a great defensive player. She is very confident and has the work ethic to do these,” he said.

First-year varsity player Anna Leigh Niles, a junior forward, has made an early impact on the squad, with four blocks and two steals against Jefferson and three steals against the Whippets.

“(Anna) has shown a commitment to getting better at the game and an inquisitive mindset at both ends of the floor,” Boyd said. “She really is passionate about getting turnovers and improving on defense.”

Boyd stated that Niles, Anderson, junior forward Katrina Bostanche and Meyers can provide a pesky and aggressive defense, citing quickness.

“Our strengths are going to be in our relentless defense,” Boyd said. “We are going to rely on all of them to use their defensive quickness to get his turnovers.”

With high hopes entering the season, Boyd noted that Union Grove, who finished with a share of first place in the SLC at 13-1 last year, is the team to beat in conference.

Lake Geneva Badger is another challenge for the Falcons following the Badgers 9-5 SLC finish last season.

 


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