• 
• CLASS
• JOBS
• AUTO
• HOMES

Rock landscape stays the same

The Rock Valley Conference showed a new look last year with its two-division title races, but the sights may be familiar in girls basketball this season.

At least, the preseason picks as title contenders have a familiar ring.

Both races went almost wire-to-wire with two-team battles last season before Jefferson captured the North championship and Brodhead ruled in the South.

This season, the coaches' pick is for Jefferson and McFarland to again battle it out. They went down to the last game last year before the Eagles gained the edge with a 55-48 victory over the Spartans in double overtime after also going overtime to edge McFarland earlier in the season.

Brodhead lost to Orfordville Parkview, 36-34 in overtime, on the second night of conference action a year ago. The Cardinals then won out the rest of the way, including a 55-41 victory over the Vikings, to go 15-1 and take the title by one game over Parkview.

This season, the two may switch roles. Parkview returns four starters and gets the coaches' nod over Brodhead, even though the Cardinals return 6-2 senior Dana Lewis, an NCAA Division I recruit, who plans to play at Maryland Baltimore County next season.

But that's not to say the division races will be strictly two-team affairs. Other up-and-coming teams are waiting in the wings for their shot at the glory.

Walworth Big Foot returns considerable talent, including Southern Illinois University recruit Jordyn Courier, in its bid to challenge Parkview and Big Foot in the South. Edgerton returns almost its entire team, including two-time all-conference pick Meggie Schmidt, as a possible North challenger, along with Whitewater, which also is on the upswing, led by all-conference standout Kelsey Harms.

Overall, the North returns five first-team all-conference selections. They also include McFarland junior Katelyn Eversoll, the division's reigning Player of the Year, and Spartan teammate Kirsten Walker. Jefferson also returns Jessica Splittgerber, the leading scorer on last year's title team.

Meanwhile, the South brings back seven of last year's 10 first-team selections. Along with Lewis and Courier, they include Parkview junior Stephanie Aasen, Parkview senior Jenna Larsen, Beloit Turner junior Megan Grover, Clinton senior Maggie Schultz and Big Foot senior Haley Schwartz.

The conference races tip off at 7:15 tonight, with Jefferson at Big Foot in an opening-night crossover feature.

Rock Valley at a glance

EAST TROY

Head coach: Stacey Kuehn, fourth year (12-48).

2008-09 record: 4-16, 4-12 in Rock Valley North (fifth place).

Last conference title: 1980-81 (Southern Lakes).

Key losses: Lindsey Fleury, All-Rock Valley North first team; Gina Peter, honorable mention.

Returning starter: Caitlin Dolan, 5-10, jr., g/f; all-conference honorable mention last season.

Other letter winners: NA.

Other likely contributors: Kristin Bakko, 5-1, jr., f; Brooke Lambrechts, 5-6, jr., g; Amanda Hein, 5-8, jr., f; Alicia Oleson, 5-5, jr., g.

Season outlook: The Trojans may have the youngest team in the conference, with no seniors, seven juniors and four freshmen. Even so, coach Stacey Kuehn expects the Trojans to be competitive, with a goal over going over the .500 mark the conference.

EDGERTON

Head coach: Mike Schmidt, eighth year (43-98).

2008-09 record: 7-14, 6-10 in Rock Valley North (fourth place).

Last conference title: Never higher than second place.

Key losses: No graduates.

Returning starters: Marie Stettler, 5-9, sr., f; Haley Fritz, 5-6, jr, g; Jennifer Gimmer, 5-9, jr., f; Meggie Schmidt, 5-7, jr., g.

Other letter winners: Bethany Wedvick, 6-1, sr., c; Tori Wileman, 5-8, jr., g/f.

Other likely contributors: Whitney Oren, 5-9, fr., g/r; Brooke Ferrell, 5-6, fr., g; Kassie Walters, 5-10, fr., f; Katie Wedvick, 6-1, sr., c.

Season outlook: Edgerton brings back almost its entire team from a year ago, led by Meggie Schmidt, a two-time All-Rock Valley North first-team selection, who had a 13.3 scoring average in the conference last season. Coach Mike Schmidt sees strong guard play, quickness, improved shooting and additional height as the key factors in the Crimson Tide's hopes to contend for the North title.

EVANSVILLE

Head coach: Jim Schoenenberger, third year (14-28).

2008-09 record: 4-17, 3-13 in Rock Valley North (sixth place).

Last conference title: 2006-07.

Key losses: Hailey McIntyre, a two-time all-conference selection; Callie Reese, honorable mention.

Returning starter: Sydney Westrick, 5-4, jr.

Other letter winners: Anne George, 5-6, sr., g; Rachel Marx, 5-4, sr., g; Ann O'Leary, 5-5, sr., g.

Other likely contributors: Makenzie Abey, 5-9, soph., c; Kim Beggs, 5-7, jr., g; Kirsten Gragg, jr., 5-6, jr., g; Kayla Klitzman, 5-7, fr., g.

Season outlook: With only one returning starter, the Blue Devils will be young and still building. It showed in a 65-18 opening nonconference loss to Sauk Prairie.

JEFFERSON

Head coach: Dena Smith, ninth year (129-55).

2008-09 record: 15-7, 14-2 in Rock Valley North (first place).

Last conference title: 2008-09.

Key losses: All-Rock Valley North first-team selections Lindsey Frank and Beth Ganser.

Returning starters: Jessica Splittgerber, 5-3, sr.; Caylee Cottrell, 5-6, sr.

Other letter winners: Danielle Janny, 5-10, jr.

Other likely contributors: Jade Ashburn, 5-4, sr.; Veronica Kubicek, 5-6, sr.; Taylor Moehling, 5-8, sr.; Jackie Splittgerber, 5-3, sr.; Joanne Ruehl, 5-10, jr.; Kate Simon, 5-6, jr.; Alexia Wegner, 5-9, soph.

Season outlook: Jefferson's bid for a fourth conference title in coach Dena Smith's nine years will be led by Jessica Splittgerber, the Eagles' top scorer last season with a 12.5 league average. The Eagles also looking to Caylee Cottrell, who had a seven-point average last season, and Danielle Janny, who steps into a starting role. Smith sees the backcourt as her team's strength, but she has a concern about the post play.

McFARLAND

Head coach: Mike Eversoll, second year (17-6).

2008-09 record: 17-6, 13-3 in Rock Valley North (second place).

Last conference title: 1998-99 (Badger South; also WIAA Division 2 state champion).

Key losses: Julie Thorson, an All-Rock Valley North first-team selection; Andrea Steinhofer and Stephanie Ward, both honorable mention.

Returning starters: Katelyn Eversoll, 5-6, jr, g; Kirsten Walker, 5-11, sr., f.

Other letter winners: Jacie Jermier, 5-6, jr., g; Jenna Blaser, 5-8, sr., g; Caitlin Alsmo, 5-8, sr., f; Annie Culver, 5-9, jr, f.

Season outlook: McFarland figures to have significant firepower with Katelyn Eversoll and Kirsten Walker, both All-Rock Valley first-team selections last season. Eversoll was the North's scoring leader with a 14.6 average and the North's Player of the Year. The Spartans went neck-and-neck with Jefferson down the final game last season, when the Eagles' 55-48 victory over McFarland in double overtime decided the championship, and it could be more of the same this season.

WHITEWATER

Head coach: Judy Harms, 11th year.

2008-09 record: 7-14, 7-9 in Rock Valley North (third place).

Last conference title: 1983-84 (Southern Lakes).

Key losses: Natalie Babcock, Courtney Treweyn, both of whom received All-Rock Valley North honorable mention.

Returning starters: Kelsey Harms, 5-7, sr., g; Julia Shelbourn, 5-8, sr.

Other likely contributors: Brenna O'Brien, 5-6, sr.; Sabrina Bowery, 5-9, sr., f; Molly Griep, 5-10, soph., f; Morgan Harty, 5-10, soph., g; Hannah Runez, 5-2, soph., g; Julia Shelbourn, 6-2, soph., f.

Season outlook: Coach Judy Harms returns to the Whippets after being sidelined most of the last season. She brings considerable excitement, especially with the return of her daughter, Kelsey, an All-Rock Valley first-team selection last season with a 12.5 conference scoring average. Coach Harms expects overall versatility, athleticism, experience and off-season hard work to pay off in a contending role for Whitewater.

ROCK VALLEY SOUTH

BELOIT TURNER

Head coach: Jennifer Pozzani, fourth year (6-53)

2008-09 record: 1-18, 1-15 in Rock Valley South (sixth place).

Last conference title: 1983-84.

Key losses: Courtney Crouse, Doretta Purdy, both of whom received all-conference honorable mention.

Returning starters: Megan Grover, 5-5, jr.; Kiki Smith, 5-9, jr.

Other likely contributors: Alexa Harrison, 5-6, sr.; Katie Petrie, 5-7, sr.; Zoe Hale, 5-7, jr.; Janessa Snippen, 5-11, jr.

Season outlook: Megan Grover was an All-Rock Valley South first-team selection last season with an 11.8 conference scoring average and gives the Trojans a strong foundation for their rebuilding.

BRODHEAD

Head coach: Brad Pickett, first year.

2008-09 record: 18-4, 15-1 in Rock Valley South (first place).

Last conference title: 2008-09.

Key losses: Kristin Ruchti, All-Rock Valley South first team; Alyssa Harding, Courtney Mielke, both honorable mention.

Returning starters: Dana Lewis, 6-2, sr., f/c; Megan Heller, 5-6, sr., g.

Other letter winners: Amanda Johnson, 5-8, sr., g; Riley Olson, 5-7, sr., g/f.

Other likely contributors: Meaghan McGuire, 5-6, sr., g; Mariah Mohns, 5-9, jr., f; Jance Squires, 5-7, sr., g; Blair Baumgartner, 6-0, jr., f.

Season outlook: After coming close to a perfect conference season a year ago, the Cardinals have lost one of their twin towers in 6-1 graduate Kristen Ruchti. But they bring back the other half in two-time all-conference selection Dana Lewis, an NCAA Division I recruit at Maryland Baltimore County, and most people see that as a big boost in putting Brodhead in contention for a second straight title. Brad Pickett sees rebounding and defense as Cardinal strengths, but the first-year coach has some concerns about overall lack of size, scoring punch and ball handling.

CLINTON

Head coach: Mike Powers, first year.

2008-09 record: 12-9, 9-7 in Rock Valley South (third place).

Last conference title: 2003-04.

Key losses: Liz Althoff, the Rock Valley South Player of the Year; Erica Clark, all-conference honorable mention.

Returning starters: Maggie Schultz, 5-10, sr., c; Laura Popanz, 5-8, jr., g.

Other letter winners: Kendra Jeffers, 5-4, sr, g; Tory Kemp, 5-9, jr., f; Olivia Nickel, 6-1, soph., c.

Other likely contributors: Catherine Boudreau, 5-3, sr., g; Mallory McConnell, 5-6, sr., g; Melissa Ryan, 5-6, sr., g; Lizzy Kopp, 5-4, soph., g.

Season outlook: Clinton must make up for the loss of Liz Althoff's league-leading 20.5 scoring average. While she has gone on to play for WIAC power UW-Stevens Point, the Cougars bring back all-conference center Maggie Schultz, who scored 237 points and had 185 rebounds for the 21 games last season. Coach Mike Powers obviously expects strong post play and looks for his Cougars to be battling Brodhead and Big Foot for second place behind heavy favorite Orfordville Parkview in the Rock Valley South.

ORFORDVILLE PARKVIEW

Head coach: Tina Aasen, 12th year (124-91).

2008-09 record: 19-4, 14-2 in Rock Valley South (second place).

Last conference title: 2007-08.

Key losses: Senior starter Ashley Oldenburg.

Returning starters: Jenna Larsen, 5-11, sr., c; Stephanie Aasen, 5-9, jr., f; April Wellnitz, 508, sr., f; Jasmine Koch, 5-5, sr., g.

Other letter winners: Cassie Danielson, 5-8, jr., f; Melissa Harnack, 5-4, jr. g; Becca Neal, 5-11, sr., c; Brenna Ryan, 5-9, sr.

Other likely contributors: Kaitlyn Cook, 5-9, sr., g; Kaitlyn Nyman, 5-8, jr., g; Lindsey Carpenter, 5-9, jr., f; Rita Breneman, 5-8, jr., f.

Season outlook: After knocking on the door with a young team last year, Parkview is everybody's choice to rule the Rock Valley South. With nine varsity players returning, the Vikings not only have depth and experience, but they can look to 2008-09 first-team all-conference selections Jenna Larsen and Stephanie Aasen to lead the way.

PALMYRA-EAGLE

Head coach: Katy Morgan, third year (4-38).

2008-09 record: 3-18, 2-14 in Rock Valley South (fifth place).

Last conference title: 2000-01.

Key losses: Liz Madecky, Katie Martin, both all-conference honorable mention.

Returning starters: None.

Letter winners: Kelsey Harbeck, 5-5, sr., g; Danielle Devine, 5-9, sr., f; Julia Blaedow, 5-7, sr., f.

Other likely contributors: Danielle Lane, 5-3, jr., g; Lauren Rosciezewski, 5-8, jr., f; Amanda Potter, 5-9, jr, f; Neosys Marcea, 5-9, jr., f; Kelli Kloskey, 5-10, soph., c; Alyssa Mueller, 5-11, soph., c; DaNae Giese, 5-3, fr., g; Kristine Watts, 5-3, fr., g.

Season outlook: Coach Katy Morgan, a Janesville Parker graduate, will rely on defensive quickness to spark her inexperienced team. Despite no returning starters, she is hopeful the Panthers can move up to the middle of the conference standings.

WALWORTH BIG FOOT

Head coach: Joe Wehrenberg, second year (10-12).

2008-09 record: 10-12, 8-8 in Rock Valley South (fourth place).

Last conference title: 2005-06.

Key loss: Sarah Thune, All-Rock Valley South first team.

Returning starters: Jordyn Courier, 6-0, sr., f; Haley Schwartz, 5-9, sr., g; Kayleigh Young, 5-8, sr., g; Courtney Spangler, 5-10, jr., f.

Other letter winners: Danielle Loth, 5-10, sr., f; Betsy Utesch, 5-10, sr, c.

Other likely contributors: Megan Palma, 5-8, sr., g; Brittani Isham, 5-7, soph., g; Jordan Miller, 5-10, jr., c; Ashley Pietkauskis, 5-9, jr., g; Jenifer Petkoff, 5-6, fr., g.

Season outlook: Big Foot features two All-Rock Valley South first-team selections from a year ago—Jordyn Courier and Haley Schwartz. Courier, an inside and outside threat, averaged 12.4 points in the conference and has signed with Southern Illinois, becoming the Big Foot program's first NCAA Division I recruit. With talent and experience, the guard-oriented Chiefs are regarded as South contenders, but coach Joe Wehrenberg is concerned about lack of inside presence.