Coming off an appearance in the Class B state championship game, Gray-New Gloucester isn’t planning on going anywhere.
“I think we ought to be in the mix,” coach Mike Andreasen said. “But we’re not putting any expectations on how far we go or who we beat.”
The Patriots lost their two tallest players, Alanna Camerl and Ashley Jordan, to graduation. Skye Conley (5-10) is a returning all-conference player, so Gray-NG will still have some size, just not as much as it’s accustomed.
That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Andreasen said that the offense last year stagnated at times as the Patriots tried to force-feed the post. This season, they’ll be better built to play a more free-flowing offense, one that will be more quick to shoot.
Gray-NG returns four players who started or played starter-like minutes in 2015-16, and five of their top seven players. Along with Conley, there’s Alicia Dumont, Grace Kariotis, Izzy DeTroy and Brianna Jordan.
Jordan, the Patriots’ primary ball-handler and one of their top defenders, was a key player as a freshman. Andreasen said she is significantly better heading into her sophomore season.
Beyond those five players, though, are question marks regarding who will take over the sixth, seventh and eighth spots in the rotation.
“We’re still looking at developing some depth,” Andreasen said. “Right now, our depth isn’t great.”
Coach: Mike Andreasen (sixth year)
Conference: Western Maine Conference; Class: B South
Last year’s results: 17-5 (lost in Class B state championship game)
Returning athletes: Seniors — Skye Conley (5-10 center), Alicia Dumont (5-8 guard), Grace Kariotis (5-8 guard), Isabelle DeTroy (5-9 forward); Sophomore — Brianna Jordan (5-10 guard).
Key losses: Alanna Camerl, Ashley Jordan.
Promising newcomers: Sophomores — Alexa Thayer (guard), Mikaela Ryan (guard); Freshman — Jordan Grant (forward).
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