GIRLS HOOPS: New coach, new philosophy at Central

Katrina Bostanche, shown here as junior against Wilmot last year, is one of the returning letter winners new coach Ben Michelau is counting on this season (File Photo)
Katrina Bostanche, shown here as junior against Wilmot last year, is one of the returning letter winners new coach Ben Michelau is counting on this season (File Photo)

Michelau boasts experience in Bristol hoops program

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

With a new head girls basketball coach at the helm, Westosha Central High School hopes to buck the trend of its program, which underwent several humbling seasons.

Ben Michelau, in his first year in the high school ranks, assumes leadership of a Falcons program that finished 22-45 the last three years.

Before taking on the role at Westosha Central, Michelau coached at Bristol School for 15 years, both boys and girls at one time or another.

Although it is a large leap, Michelau is familiar with most of the returning letterwinners that passed through his program at Bristol, and plans to apply the same philosophy and principles of the game at Westosha Central.

Lindsey Kimpler
Lindsey Kimpler

“It’s definitely going to be a challenge moving up to the varsity level from middle school,” he said. “I look forward to it. To me, the coaching and how its applied is the same. The players are simply older.”

Michelau, who emphasizes defense, stated it is imperative for his players to exhibit a strong work ethic.

“Defense is what we emphasize most. An understanding of the desire that’s required as individuals to be great defenders and take pride in it,” said Michelau, who stressed execution at the both ends of the court, proper positioning on defense and spacing on offense.

“I feel it’s important that players want to play for their coaches,” he said. “Make it so they’re eager to get to the gym and be part of the program. Teach them the importance of hard work, commitment and why that is critical to be successful.”

But, with four varsity players from Bristol, some already know his philosophy.

Of the four varsity players, two are returning letter-winners, senior forward Anna Leigh Niles and senior guard/forward Katrina Bostanche.

Additionally, senior Brianna Reid also is a former Bristol student.

Senior Alyssa Hrncar, already a two-sport athlete, joined the team to reunite with Michelau after she played for him in the eighth grade.

“I can’t say enough of what a terrific young lady she is,” said Michelau. “As it is with many of the players I have had the privilege of coaching, she holds a special place in my heart.”

In addition to the four he already knew, Westosha Central returns seniors Lindsey Kimpler, Shania Dumelle, Katie Boarini, Todora Lux, Jessica Werth and junior Stephanie Dopuch, all guards.

Junior guard Meghan McNealy joins the team from the junior varsity ranks.

Although the team is guard-heavy, Michelau said the team makes up for it with speed and versatility.

Kimpler, who played 18 games last season, was third on the team in scoring with 6.1 points per game, Bostanche had 5.4 ppt and Niles, a forward, had 4.1 ppg.

Also, Dopuch, a late season call-up last year, could play a formidable role in scoring chances.

“I expect significant production and contributions from all four of these individuals,” said Michelau. “In Lindsey and Stephanie, we have versatile guards who can handle the point and the shooting guard positions.”

“Katrina is an underrated perimeter shooter,” he said. “Yet she shows no reluctance matching up defensively against bigger girls.”

Niles, he added, brings matchup problems for taller forwards, noting her speed.

To offset height issues, the Falcons brought in 5-foot-10 junior Siera Sieberth and 5-9 junior Shannen Griffiths.

“(Siera) does some nice things in the post, but also realizes she can expand her skill set,” Michelau said. “I have no doubt in her desire to do just that.”

Compared to last year, Michelau hopes to see the team minimize turnovers, which left the Falcons shooting behind the perimeter to catch up.

“The abundance of turnovers was a huge reason for that. I would speculate the actual field goal attempts were one of the lowest in the conference,” he said. “Often times they were playing catch up.”

“We need to get to the basket for some high percentage attempts, and draw some fouls to get us to the free throw line.”

Westosha Central 68, Brookfield Academy 28
The Falcons opened their 2016-17 season with a 40-point victory against visiting Brookfield Academy Nov. 15, when Kimpler produced a 24-point performance, adding seven steals and five rebounds.
Additionally, the Falcons received contributions from Sieberth (10 points, three rebounds), Dopuch (six steals, three assists).

Jefferson 61, Westosha Central 44
Three nights later, the Falcons were unable to overcome a 33-14 halftime deficit, despite outscoring the Eagles 30-28.
Sieberth led the Falcons with 11 points and five rebounds. Kimpler had four rebounds, three assists, three steals and five points.


Posted

in

,

by

Tags: