Montrose looks to repeat, others take aim

The hunt is on.

Montrose returns four starters looking to repeat as Lackawanna League Division IV for a third straight year. But upstarts Elk Lake under the guidance of first-year head coach Meghan Casselbury, as well as Blue Ridge, and Susquehanna look to knock the Lady Meteors off the mantle.

Montrose Coach Todd Smith has his team on a tough preseason schedule to defend their title and make a run at the District II Class 2A crown after playing the previous four seasons at Class 3A.

Casselbury takes over for Kevin Tewksbury who chose to hang up his whistle after guiding the Lady Warriors to the Class 2A District II final. Casselbury will have to replace Co-Player of the Year Krista Jones but has a group of seniors looking to lead and group of underclassmen looking to take on a larger role.

Mike Courtright’s Blue Ridge team plans to build on some of last year’s late season success and with a lineup returning nearly intact.

Susquehanna has to replace all-star Meghan Kiernan but returns a group of upperclassmen with experience and Alexandra Iveson who returns her 6-2 frame after sitting out last season.

Elk Lake will host Blue Ridge, Montrose and Susquehanna at Denise Reddon/Jill Hoffman Memorial Christmas tournament, December 27-28, which returns after a two-year absence due to Covid.

Blue Ridge

Coach: Mike Courtright

Assistant Coaches: Callie Stanton, Matt Button

Seniors: Emily Marvin, Hanna McCarthy, Katelyn Spencer

Juniors: Kendall Farthing 5-5 G, Abigail Laude 5-7 G, Leigha McCain 5-10 F, Ella Robinson 5-8 F Libby Zick 5-6 G

Sophomores: Emma Button 5-6 G, Patience Luce 5-7 F

Freshmen: Emily Gohram 5-8 G. Katelyn Scott 5-7 G, Layla Sinnett 5-6 G

Coach’s Outlook: “We return a lot of experience including three starters and we have girls who know how to win.”

 

Elk Lake

Coach: Meghan Casselbury

Assistant Coaches: Dallas Ely, Kimmie Mosier

Seniors: Delaney Curley 5-7 G, Caitlyn Kerr 5-7 F, Megan Johns 5-4 G

Juniors: Paige Keeney 5-7=6 G, Matisyn Lord 5-7 F, Carly Powers 5-2 G, Sydney Upright 5-5 G, Layla Weaver 5-5 G

Sophomores: Camryn Greenwood 5-2 G, Marissa Horn 5-4 G, Katie McGlynn 5-11 F Gianna Tewksbury 5-8 F, Leah Traver 5-8 G, Caitlyn Wagner 5-8 F

Freshmen: Addison Azaravich 5-2 G, Madisyn Casselbury 5-7 G, Sofia Gazillo 5-6 G, Meredith Neenan 5-11 F, Kylie Shingler 5-7 G

Coach’s Outlook: “The girls are working hard. We want to be an aggressive team both defensively and offensively. We’re trying to create an atmosphere where we’re not afraid to make a mistake and look to recover.”

Player perspective: “We are making sure everyone sticks together and works together. Everyone is adapting to the (coaching) change and we are focusing on being aggressive.” – Delaney Curley.

Forest City

Coach: Jeremy Popiel

Seniors: Brianna Cahoon 6-1 F, Kimmie Graham 5-5 G, Haylee Herrmann 5-6 F, Vanessa Hodges 5-5 F, Lily Zukosky 5-7 F

Juniors: Mya Clark 5-5 G, Lucy Lombardi 5-9 G, Emily Matoushek 5-7 G, Sarah Spinelli 5-7 G

Freshmen: Serafina Gorel 5-4 F, Mehlayia St. Hilaire 5-5 G

Coach’s Outlook: “Four returning starters and with playoff and district championship experience. Looking to build upon the team success from last season and stay competitive within our division while preparing for AA competition.

 

Montrose

Coach: Todd Smith

Assistant Coach: Nichole Welmon

Seniors: Haley Pompey 5-8 F, Mia Snyder 5-11 F, Mya Snyder 5-9 F

Juniors: Paley Adams 6-2 C, Riley Keihl 5-5 G, Aspen Smith 5-5 G,

Sophomores: Gracie Dalton 5-7 F, Rori Gurn 5-8 F 

Freshmen: Hailey Aukema 5-6 F, Madeline Dorval 5-11 C, Ally Legg 5-4G, Ava Martin 5-4 G

Coach’s Outlook: “If we can consistently play defense and rebound we should be competitive.”

Player Perspective: “We’re looking to work more as a team and finding our roles within the team.” – Haley Pompey

 

Mountain View

Coach: Bill Simons

Assistant Coaches: Joe Reno, Ashley Kilmer

Seniors: Michaela Hammond 5-7 F, Taylor Neri 5-4 G

Juniors: Claire Getz 5-8 G, Vanessa Harvey 5-3 G Lily Sedlak 5-7 F, Paige Strickland 5-6 F,

Sophomores: Brooklyn Anderson 5-3 G, Kylie Barhite 5-6 G/F, Keeley Flynn 5-7 G/F, Ryleigh Kilmer 5-7 G, Mimi Sedlak 5-6 F, Paige Smith 5-4 G, Riley Turner 5-5 G, 

Freshmen: Harley Bills 5-2 G, Addison Kilmer 6-1 F

Coach’s Outlook: “We’re a high-energy team looking to make some waves this season.”

 

Susquehanna

Coach: Gina Baker

Assistant Coaches: Kristy Pavelski

Seniors: Brianna Ashmen 5-5 G, Zoey Cramer 5-3 G, Sarah Day 5-11 F, Kerstin Dooley 5-8 G/F, Alexandra Iveson 6-2 F, Lexi Iveson 5-4 G, Dani Williams 5-11 F

Juniors: Olivia Orner 5-3 G, Jaydin Orner 5-3 G, Paige Straway 5-6 G, Tori Straway 5-7 G/F, Paytyn Sellitto 5-4 G

Sophomores: Bella Bishop 6-1 F, Meghan Perry 5-6 G

Freshmen: Ivy Bishop 5-7 G/F, Julia Bishop 5-7 G/F

Coach’s Outlook: “We have some shoes to fill, but I have great leadership, all of my captains take on different role. We will always play hard and defend, and if we can get some people to step up offensively, we can be competitive.”

Player perspective: “We have to get assertive offensively and get people confident.” – Lexi Iveson