GIRLS HOOPS: Panthers return solid nucleus, senior trio

Senior Delaney Sjong, shown here against Westosha Central, is one of three seniors hoping to keep the Panthers winning tradition going (File Photo/The Report)
Senior Delaney Sjong, shown here against Westosha Central, is one of three seniors hoping to keep the Panthers winning tradition going (File Photo/The Report)

By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

Led by a trio of seniors, Wilmot Union High School’s girls basketball squad is looking at another season among the top half of the Southern Lakes Conference, according to coach Keiya Square.

Square, whose Panthers shared last year’s SLC title with Union Grove at 12-2, believe the Broncos are still the team to beat.

“They return a really good nucleus of players and have solid lower level teams so they should be the team to beat,” said Square, whose team finished 19-5 overall.

Devin Coleman
Devin Coleman

But, Square notes this year’s squad brings a different set of skills, noting several newcomers from the junior varsity ranks.

“This is not last year’s team, we have a lot of new faces on our varsity roster and comparing them to last year’s team wouldn’t be beneficial,” he said.

However, he added, the team’s focus of one game at a time has stayed the same.

The Panthers’ focus and season success hinges on the leadership of the senior trio of 5-foot-10 forward Delaney Sjong, 5-6 guard Devin Coleman and 5-2 guard McKenna Stanek.

“All three of them have been with us since they were sophomores, so they have a really good idea of what we are trying to do, and what we need to be successful,” Square said. “They are all willing to do what is needed for the team while also holding themselves to a high standard on the floor. Our season will be dictated on how well they can lead and if everyone will follow.”

In addition to the trio’s leadership, the Panthers look to other returners to offset the losses of Sam Kirk, Ellie Turner, Olivia Klahs and Teya Gaines from last season.

Complimenting the trio is the return of 5-11 senior forward Cailin McCracken, 5-11 junior forward Morgan Zenon and 5-9 forward Andie Brown.

McCracken and Zenon, along with 5-10 junior newcomer Becca Bell, offer a strong post presence.

McKenna Stanek
McKenna Stanek

“We are expecting a big junior season out of Morgan. She showed glimpses last year and is ready to take the next step for us,” said Square. “(McCracken and Bell) will also help with height and rebounding.”

Furthermore, Square is relying on a slew of players coming up from the junior varsity level, including sophomore guards Riley Alexander and Haley Lamberson, both 5-2 along with 5-10 junior forward Ashley Lesko and 5-8 junior guard Rachel Jenkins.

“Our JV teams had a lot of success last year,” said Square.

Additionally, two freshman have joined the varsity squad, 5-2 guard Julia Hickey and 6-1 forward Karina Leber.

Also new to the varsity team is 5-5 sophomore guard Karoline Klahs.

“We should finish in the top half of the conference,” Square said. “We return a good nucleus, but will need some underclassmen to play important minutes for us.”

Wilmot 52, Waukesha South 51
With eight seconds left in regulation and the score deadlocked, Stanek made a go-ahead free throw to help the Panthers to a 52-51 season-opening win at Waukesha South Nov. 18.

Stanek finished with five points, snagged three rebounds and had three assists in the one-point defeat of the Blackshirts.

Sjong led the Panthers in scoring with 12 points and also collected a team-leading seven boards.

Coleman, meanwhile, contributed 10 points, added three assists and had three steals.

Bell and Brown each had six points and six rebounds while Alexander led the team with five steals.


Posted

in

,

by

Tags: