Rose Garden Resident

Sports

Lincoln girls figure to contend for division basketball crown

By Brad Wall

With three starters returning from last season's second place team and six seniors total, the Lincoln girls basketball team is poised to continue its climb to the top of the West Valley Division in the Blossom Valley Athletic League.

"I'm confident that we will bring a strong team to league play," said head coach Angela Lyte-Crowther.

Returning starters Alex Scoffone (6-foot-2), Kaylin Mitsumori (5-foot-11) and Whitley Davis (5-foot-9) will be key contributors for the Lions.

Scoffone and Davis have already shown that they can be difference makers in the paint as evidenced by their performance in their 48-33 victory over Independence. Davis' six points, 10 rebounds and three blocks and Scoffone's 10 points, nine rebounds and six blocks bode well for the Lions' fortunes this season.

Also, the Lions will be returning Ashley Guin (5-foot-8) and Gabriela Americo (5-foot-4) from last season's squad. In addition, water polo player Katie Silva will be joining the team this season. Even though this is her first time playing since eighth grade, Lyte-Crowther believes she will be a player to keep an eye on.

While the Lions started 2-3 last season, they hit their stride during league play, compiling an impressive 10-2 record to finish at 14-12. Similarly, this season, the Lions are 1-4 through their first five games.

"Our preseason is tough in preparation for league," said Lyte-Crowther. "We are in two tournaments where we will really get tested, because most teams we play are in higher divisions."

If the Lions' pattern in these past two years continue (8-4 good for third place two years ago and 10-2 good for second place last year), they will be a much stronger team as the season progresses.

"We are getting stronger every game we play and should be in contention for a league title," said Lyte-Crowther.