2009-10 Women's Basketball Outlook

Four starters return and promising freshmen provide a cautious but positive forecast for the Lady Thunder basketball in 2009-10.

In 2008-09 the Thunder finished in a tie for third place in the MIAA, finished 12-13 (9-7 MIAA) and hosted their first-ever MIAA post-season tournament. 

As any veteran coach will attest, lots can happen to plans laid on paper. A cautiously optimistic head coach Tom Barnes says success hinges on a couple factors.

“Our returners remain hungry to improve and succeed. The newcomers must contribute early. We are dependent on newcomers. I don’t think our returners can do it all. Our young players must compliment our veterans,” he said.

It’s the last go-around for Kristin Julian (Angola, Ind./Angola) and Sarah Howe (Monroe, Mich./Monroe). The senior duo has started every game for the Thunder in their three-year tenure. Julian provided some muscle and toughness, grabbing 4.6 rebounds a game and adding 9.0 points a game. Howe scored 13.9 points a game, grabbed 6.6 rebounds a game and is a two-time first-team All-MIAA player.

Ashley McClendon is also back. McClendon played an important support role last season, scoring 3.5 points a game and averaging 1.6 rebounds as a key reserve. Kelly Costello returns to the Lady Thunder after sitting out in 2008-09.

It’s not all about the seniors. Junior Liz Gehrig (Marshall, Mich./Marshall) scored 8.6 points a game and had 1.5 rebounds in 2008-09.  She also connected on 27-of-84 three-point shots. Jennifer Wall (New Haven, Ind./New Haven) averaged 3.5 points and 0.9 boards a game.

Danielle Senf (Blanchardville, Wisc./Pecatonica) returns for her sophomore season. As a freshman, the 5-6 guard, started 21 games and averaged 6.5 points and 3.7 rebounds a game. Lauren Davis returns for her sophomore campaign averaging .8 points and 1.0 rebounds a game.

The Lady Thunder gains some depth and size inside from freshmen. Five of 11 freshmen are post players. Barnes is eager to see the post play of freshman 6-0 Katelyn Kaminski (Grand Rapids, Mich./Catholic Central)  and 5-10 Haley Killingbeck (Poneto, Ind./Southern Wells). In addition to solidifying the inside game, both come from solid, competitive high school programs and know what it takes to win.

The Thunder will also hope for quick a transition to the college game for 5-4 Taylor Terry (Stroh, Ind./Prairie Heights) and 5-9 Sydney Spragg (Reading, Mich./Reading).

Aleesha Bullock (Indianapolis, Ind./Ritter), Jamie Meegan (Worthington, Ohio/Worthington), Leeah Butts (Reelsville, Ind./ South Putnam), Brigette Casselman (Constantine, Mich./Constantine), Nikki Smith (Sheridan, Ind./Westfield),  Sannie Anderson (Hesperia, Mich./Hesperia) and Maria Duncan (Walkerton, Ind./Oregon-Davis) will also compete for playing time.

“Our goal is simple. We want to play on Friday. That gets us to the semi-final of the MIAA tournament,” Barnes said. “We are looking to take another step in the overall improvement of our program. If we improve, we can compete with the established programs in the conference.”