Oxford Hills’ biggest question mark this season is in the post. That’s a departure from the past four years when Tianna Sugars excelled down low on both ends of the floor.
To answer the question, or at least account for the lack of Sugars, the Vikings are going to alter the way they play by giving more responsibilities to their guards.
“We’re sort of making a shift this year; (we’ll be) more guard-oriented,” coach Nate Pelletier said. “We’re going to push the tempo.”
Leading the transition will be experienced senior guards Erin Morton and Erin Eastman. Morton will start at point guard, but the hope is that freshmen Julia Colby will be able to step into that spot so Morton can get more time at shooting guard.
The Vikings aren’t completely lacking post players. Sophomore Jadah Adams is back, as are seniors Hannah Kenney and Krystin Payne, who have logged varsity time down low.
“We just don’t have the experience at that position yet,” Pelletier said.
Along with leading Oxford Hills in scoring, Sugars also pulled down about 15 rebounds per game. That might be the most difficult thing to replace. Pelletier said during the preseason rebounding was still a work in progress.
“I know I have kids who can put the ball in the in the basket,” Pelletier said, “it’s just whether or not we can rebound.”
“As a whole, maybe we can put up more points than last year,” Pelletier adds, “but we don’t know if we’re going to stop teams (as much), so it balances out.”
Coach: Nate Pelletier (12th year)
Conference: KVAC; Class: AA North
Last year’s results: 16-4 (lost in AA North championship)
Returning athletes: Seniors — Erin Morton, Erin Eastman, Anna Piirianen, Sophia Hansom, Emma Davidson, Krystin Paine, Hannah Kenney; Junior — Maighread Laliberte; Sophomore — Jadah Adams.
Key losses: Tianna Sugars, Ally Hanley, Jayden Colby.
Promising newcomers: Junior — Emmy Corbett; Freshmen — Julia Colby, Cecelia Dieterich.
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