Simcoe Reformer: NSSAA Preview

Here's a great preview by Jacob Robinson of the Simcoe Reformer about the NSSAA (D9) league. 

The original article can be seen at:  http://www.simcoereformer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=2771986

If there's one common theme around the entire NSSAA basketball league this season, it's that a lack of size has led to a focus on speed. Many girls that dominated in the paint and on the boards from seasons past are now graduated, giving way to a group focused more on high-tempo play and shooting from the outside.


The direct beneficiaries of this change will be the fans. Get ready for not only some high-scoring affairs, but an exciting back-and-fourth brand of basketball as all six teams battle for the right to be called NSSAA Champions.

Simcoe Sabres
Last year's finish: Won NSSAA title.
Last year's record: 9-1
Coach: Bill Macovik

Weapons: Sammy Pepper, Angela Gilmour, Amanda Reaney

Leaders: Kendall Warboys, Stephanie Potts, Alyssa Becque, Olivia Richards, Jordan Vanderhaegen

Strengths: Last year's champs have plenty of speed up front, good depth and plenty of returning starters. Macovik's Sabres will look to push the pace of games and score lots of transition baskets, but can also slow it down and shoot as well. Potts is as good as any point guard in the league, and much of the Sabres attack will run through her.

Things to watch for: There aren't a lot of holes in the Sabres roster, and with several moving up from the junior ranks, the tough thing will be for everyone to get floor time.

In order to play for this stacked club, players may need to switch positions in order to play more.


Holy Trinity Titans
Last year's finish: Lost in NSSAA Final
Last year's record: 9-1
Coach: Bill Pargenter

Key Losses: Lindsay Ensminger, Allie Decker, Meghan Bruyn, Aly Vogelzang

Leaders: Sam Mitchell, Annessa Casier, Tina Zelem

Strengths: Though several top end players have moved on from the Titans, the team still possesses a lot of speed. An early season exhibition game showed the coaching staff the Titans have a competitive group of players up from the junior ranks with plenty of potential.

Things to watch for: With a youth movement going on at Holy Trinity, the team's seniors aren't guaranteed a spot. Pargenter has experimented with his lineup, and it should be interesting to see what he goes with during tight games.


Valley Heights Bears
Last year's finish: Lost in semifinals.
Last year's record: 6-4
Coach: Jason Mayo

Key Losses: Lisa Wall, Savannah Dewdney, Ashley Millen

Weapons: Savannah Shea, Allison Earls

Strengths: Traditionally one of the taller teams in the county, the Bears return with a smaller and quicker lineup than in past years. Throughout training camp, girls up and down the roster have displayed an accurate shooting touch, especially from the perimeter.

Things to watch for: Losing three of the tallest players in the league could hurt the Bears in the paint. The club has struggled in recent seasons with their fouls, so playing a much cleaner game is a must.



Delhi Raiders
Last year's finish: Lost in semifinals.
Last year's record: 4-6
Coaches: Ruth Barr and Brad Sergeant

Key Losses: Alia McIntosh, Cassie Clause, Markie Perrier

Leaders: Mandy Mahler, Becca Larochelle, Emily Brooks

Strengths: The Raiders had just seven full time players last year. But with 150-plus students from Norwich coming to the school, DDSS had 18 try out for the team this fall. This is the first time in over a decade the blue and gold have had to make cuts, and all 12 on the roster have starting potential. In addition, Emily Brooks will bring the team a shooting and speed presence that will give opposing teams fits.

Things to watch for: It was all about having fun for Delhi last season. This time around, there are expectations to not only make the playoffs, but be competitive all season. Six players from Delhi and six formerly of Norwich will need to gel quickly if they hope to do so.


Waterford Wolves
Last year's finish: Missed the playoffs
Last year's record: 2-8
Coach: Dan Avey

Key Losses: Jodi Keene, Bekha Littlewood

Weapons: Gillian Bergsma, Stephanie Ionita

Strengths: Waterford may not have a lot of experience at the senior level, but they do have a team that can shoot and a lot of youthful exuberance.

Things to watch for: Waterford isn't just one of the youngest teams in the league, but in all of NSSAA senior sports. The team's roster has just one Grade 12, so it's a rebuilding year for the red and white no matter how you look at it. The good news is that the school's incoming juniors are strong, and will play together for at least another year after this.


Port Dover Lakers
Last year's finish: Missed the playoffs
Last year's record: 0-10
Coach: Pawnee Pepper

Key Losses: N/A

Weapons: Robin Beemer, Justine Shortt

Strengths: Both Beemer and Shortt will serve as catalysts for this year's Lakers. Beemer brings her strong point guard sense to the floor, and will be counted on for a big year. The same can be said for Shortt. As a centre, she'll be a presence down low for Port Dover.

Things to watch for: With another young team, the Lakers are working on improving as a whole and make good decisions such as when to shoot and when to pass.