Lady Trojans look to build off 2004 years ago
Hillsboro's four returning starters give hope for 04-05
By RYAN RICHTER
Sports writer
The last time the Lady Trojans were seen on the basketball court, they'd just thrown a good scare at the Hesston Lady Swathers in last season's Hillsboro sub-state.
Despite bowing out of the season to the 3A state tournament qualifying Swathers, the loss proved to give hope for the Trojans to build off of this season.
And this season could very well be one of the best Hillsboro has had in two years. It will definitely be one of the most experienced and quickest.
Much of that will rely heavily on the shoulders of 20-year mastermind coach Becky Carlson and her four returning starters from last year's 13-9 finish.
"I think we'll have a pretty good team," said Carlson. "I think we ended the season (last year) like we were getting ready for the next season to start. That's how it looks at practice. We're more confident and we're real anxious to have a game."
Two seniors and two sophomores will be what Carlson centers her team around, and it all starts with floor leader Emily Ratzlaff.
Ratzlaff was second in scoring a year ago and plays flourishes in the uptempo style of play.
Joining Ratzlaff in the back court is 5-6 speed-burning sophomore Hannah Marsh.
Marsh led the team in assists (3.1 apg.,) and is arguably the quickest Trojan on the court, not to mention making good decisions on the court. She proved her speed in the spring's state track meet.
Through 19 seasons, Carlson has had her share of talent come through her program.
Names like Decker, the Ratzlaff sisters, Taryn and Tesha, Nicole Friesen, Keli Chisholm, Carmen Hein, the Kroekers, and Jill Hein.
But it's debatable any of the former Hillsboro greats had a freshman year quite like that of Keli's sister Julianne, who makes things happen on the floor.
Julianne can do it all, shoot (53 pfg.), rebound (5.1 rpg,), score (9.4 ppg,), block, not to mention being able to jump out of the gym, bagging the state high-jump title as a freshman.
Joining Chisholm in the front court is 5-8 senior Amy Duerksen.
Duerksen will have to better her scoring and rebounding average to help make up for the loss of 6-2 Katie Fast, now playing at Tabor.
The good news is Duerksen can do her fair share of battling inside due to her strength.
Sure, four starters return, but does Carlson have enough to ease her worries?
"I still have some inexperienced players," she said. "My concerns are the lack of experience right away. We have good depth and with the more experience we get, the better our depth will go up."
Who will help fill out Carlson's starting lineup remains a mystery.
Senior Whitney Washmon was instrumental in seven games last season.
In her final season, Washmon will provide some much needed muscle and quality depth inside.
Tina Frick and Laura Andrews will vie for time, too, in the front court.
Chisholm and Marsh weren't the only freshmen who made significant contributions.
Guard Megan Peachey can step in and spell either Ratzlaff or Marsh if Carlson opts to use a three-guard offense.
A big addition to the Trojans will rest on how quick Marissa Diener can overcome a foot ailment.
Her long range shooting should give boost to a team that averaged 30 percent last season.
How well the Trojans can mix up an inside-outside attack will play a big factor on whether or not Carlson can make her 11th appearance in Hutchinson this year.
"I think we're pretty equal (play inside-outside) and that will be a key if we can get the inside-outside going up and down the court," said Carlson.
The MCAA figures to be a dogfight this season with the road to the title running through Hesston and Wichita Collegiate.
Lyons will be scrappy and Marion figures to be formidable, too.
The Trojans' tournament should provide a good measuring stick of where Hillsboro needs to be with current top-ranked Riley County possibly on the schedule.
Hillsboro's season kicked off Tuesday in the Dickinson County Classic against the Chapman Fighting Irish.
The Trojans also will take on Rock Creek Friday, with a spot for first, third, or fifth place hanging in the balance depending on the game's outcomes.
