Staff writer
Centre’s girls basketball coach, Alan Stahlecker, returns this year after taking last season off, but he’s hardly a new face. He’s been coaching at Centre for 17 years, 12 of which as head coach.
“Coming off of a 2-17 record last season but returning a handful of players that played significant minutes, we will seek to improve on the record while also taking a step forward in the ability to compete with the majority of teams on our schedule,” Stahlecker said.
“Key factors for the season will be remaining healthy, staying out of foul trouble, and developing two or three consistent scorers.”
Centre has two sophomores, Kaitlynn Bina and Olivia Carlson, who were starters most of the time returning this season along with four others that saw minutes, Jenna Bittle, Allie Stuchlik, Jenaya Plett, and Hailey Barton.
Junior Sophia Luna will be playing basketball for the first time in high school along with three freshmen who are new to high school basketball.
“I expect this team to compete hard, play active defense, and develop as a team as the season progresses,” Stahlecker said.
“As we are successful in developing on the offensive end, that will key our ability to stay competitive.”
Centre will open up its season at home Friday against Wakefield.
“We played them three times last season, losing all three, with one close finish,” Stahlecker said. “I have seen some good signs of progress in practice and I expect it will be a competitive game.”