Northwood’s depth extends through all four classes

By: 
J. Patrick Eaken

While Northwood girls basketball expects to be in the mix in the TAAC, getting past Toledo Christian will be the challenge.

“Until we can beat TC and Ottawa Hills it doesn’t matter. We’ve been the third best team the past two years and that’s what we need to change,” coach Andy Dickey said. 

“I have nothing but great things to say about our league. Obviously, TC will be the favorite to win the league, but the competition will be fierce. We’re lucky to be in a small league with great coaches and athletes all around.”

Northwood (2-0) is off to a good start, defeating Ottawa Hills 54-31 on Tuesday.

Dickey says there are a few elements his team is built around that could help.

“Our biggest strength is the bond we have to have as a team. The girls that play for the Rangers just know each other and want to play with each other,” Dickey said.

“My junior and seniors have been playing sports together since the sixth grade and my sophomores have been playing together since they were in diapers. Even my freshmen have told me how open the team is which makes it easier for coaches to get started building a team when people feel comfortable about being a part of the team. The girls just have a special bond with each other that is infectious and fun.

“Secondly, we are fortunate to have a lot of naturally athletic young women on the team. Almost all the girls in the program are multi-sport varsity caliber athletes. When you have a group of girls that are physically able to stand up to the physical demand of a sport like basketball it also helps the overall team play. You mix natural talent with girls that also know how to play ball and you have the opportunity for a special opportunity for success.”

Dickey is optimistic because the Rangers return 5-foot-11 senior guard/wing Randi Wilson, 5-6 senior guard Meiah Smith, 5-8 senior forward Bethany Gillespie, 5-7 junior forward Zoe Turner, and two sophomores, 5-7 Natalie Thompson and 5-8 Autumn Schroeder. 

But, it does not end there. The depth continues into his youngest players, boding well for this year and beyond.

 “Lexi Haas, as a freshman she moved from being a wing player that rarely handled the ball to being the JV point guard. This year she could be contending to be our 6th girl on the floor both for her ball handling and defensive skills,” Dickey said.

Gillespie adds an element in the paint, but she is not the only one.

“Gillespie is another wonderful surprise during our summer league. Bethany showed us that she can be a dominant presence under the basket for rebounding and a great screener. Beth was also a gym rat this summer working on her b-ball skills and weight training,” Dickey said.

“Bethany Gillespie worked her butt off this off-season to become stronger and a better post. She knows this is her last year and wants to prove herself.

“(Sophomore) Bree Bolden — she’s tall, she strong, she can shoot the ball from the bleachers. Being a sophomore with not a lot of basketball experience she spent some great time in the gym learning her post moves and lifting weights. (Junior) Mikayla Hanely has some of the best court vision I’ve seen. She also is gritty under the basket and fights for the ball.

“Hanley and Bolden — we’re not sure which of these two could have the biggest impact under the basket but it will be fun watching them battle for that spot.”

Thanks to a deep bench, it’s all hands-on deck for the Rangers this season.

“We’re planning on a fast-paced simplified offense this year,” Dickey said. “We have one thing in mind — score any chance we can. Defensively we want to continue to build on our skills and become a ‘gritty woman in your face’ kind of defense. 

“I really hope that we have a defensive team this year instead of one or two players. If we can do what I’d like to see, we’ll need five girls on the floor all at their defensive best.”

Plus, if that is not enough to put on the court, there are even more who can contribute. We’re not talking eight, nine deep, we’re talking playing every rostered varsity player, and depth is so important, especially at tournament time.

“(Junior) Regan Grant is the fastest player on the team and has a lot of skills that make her a huge threat. If we can focus her in the right direction. She could be dangerous,” Dickey said. 

“(Sophomore) Cassidy Genson, like Haas, she moved into a new position last year. And she has an even head, great defensive skills and when she’s settled has a knockdown shot.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Category:

The Press

The Press
1550 Woodville Road
Millbury, OH 43447

(419) 836-2221

Email Us

Facebook Twitter

Ohio News Media Association