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Editor's note: This is the third in a six-part series previewing the area girls' basketball teams. On Saturday, Manchester.
The Wawasee girls' basketball team will be seeing something on the sidelines it hasn't seen in the past three seasons - the same coach as the year before.
After going through three coaches in three seasons, the Warriors' program will take on some stability as Randy Aalbregtse prepares for his second season as head coach.
"We like to think that is going to be positive (to have the same coach for a second straight season)," Aalbregtse said. "I think the overall concept that we are trying to get across is starting to take hold. I am seeing a much more positive approach by the girls toward things. It is not as confusing, the terminology and the philosophy in the things we are trying to accomplish. They are picking up much better this time around. I am excited about the fact that it is going much better. I don't get as many blank looks as I did the first year."
Aalbregtse led the Warriors to a 9-10 record last season.
The Warriors appear to be experienced in the backcourt and although the youth is under the basket, the talent is there.
"Our perimeter people all played last year, so we have some experience there," Aalbregtse said. "Our inside people are inexperienced. We have some growing there. Our perimeter players have to show some good leadership and keep people in order and in the right places.
"We are trying to use both the perimeter and the post," he said. "We don't want to be totally dependent on one or the other. Obviously good things will happen if you can get the ball inside. You are going to get fouled or the defense will collapse or whatever. We are going to look to take the ball inside. We need to be able to make good decisions and choices on the offensive end whether it is there or not."
Senior Carly Beer will return in the Warriors' backcourt for her fourth season. Beer earned All-Northern Lakes Conference honors as a sophomore before averaging 7.1 points per game in an injury-filled campaign last year.
"I think Carly Beer has to show some good leadership," Aalbregtse said. "She has been in a lot of good competition. She has to show her game experience out on the floor. I think all the seniors have to. It is a senior season, but she brings the most experience."
Seniors Aubrey Coy (7 ppg) and Jenny Szynal and junior Kari Wortinger add experience and depth at guards.
Inside, Wawasee will count on the athleticism of juniors Lydia Carpenter and Karissa Evans. In the jamboree on Tuesday, Carpenter showed her potential by dominating inside against Whitko and Tippecanoe Valley.
"Lydia Carpenter is a very good athlete," Aalbregtse said. "As she grows and the season goes, she is going to continue to improve. She is going to get more focused and do more. I think she has the opportunity to be an awfully good basketball player."
Aalbregtse sees a lot of potential with his second Warrior team, but will refrain from making any bold predictions about how far they can go.
"A lot of things have to happen for things to go right," he said. "You have to stay healthy, continue to improve, and not make the same mistakes late in the year that you make now. I think we have an opportunity to have a good season."
