Girls basketball notebook: Many teams, players are trending up as season winds down

As the season for area girls basketball teams takes the turn into the final stretch, many coaches say they are encouraged with where their teams are at as well as how some of their players have flourished.

Ottawa reaching for next level, solid in roles

Pirates coach Brent Moore’s team is 12-4 and captured the championship of the Lady Pirate Holiday Tournament.

“Basketball is a long season and I have learned to not over analyze certain things or certain games,“ Moore said. ”We are constantly evaluating practices and games as we move through the season. We have had a lot of high moments and a few moments we wish we could get back as well. I would say I am happy with where our team is right now. With that in mind, I feel like there is still another level that we are capable of, and we will strive to get there come postseason time.

“Across the board player wise, I am very happy with what we are turning into. I wouldn’t necessarily say that there are any surprises, but I would say I am very pleased with how everybody has fit into their role while being great teammates. Positive culture is something we have had pride in throughout the years, and things have remained exceptional this year.”

Streator on the right path, players stepping up

The Bulldogs picked up their first win of the season at the Lady Pirate Holiday Tournament and coach Jacob Durdan is hoping that the success can spark his team.

“I am happy with where the team is headed,” Durdan said. “We’re rounding the corner individually and as a team. Players are stepping up in their roles and executing at a higher level each time out. I’m not super excited about our 1-15 record, but I believe we have a path to the program’s most wins since before COVID. We have a young team and a lot to be excited about as this season comes to a close.

“Ava Gwaltney has been our scoring leader this season, which isn’t a surprise to me. She’s put in work to get to where she’s at right now. Senior Maddy Martin has stepped up this season, averaging 3.8 points per game, as have senior Leah Krohe (3.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg) and first-year junior Isabel Gutierrez (3.4ppg, 1.4 apg).”

Seneca looking to continue to build off strong start

The Fighting Irish coach Josh Myers said the first half of the season was “really good.”

“We’ve had some really good wins and competed in our losses,” said Myers of his 12-4 team. “We placed third in the Thanksgiving Tournament, beating a healthy Peoria Manual team. We then finished fifth, beating Wheaton Academy in overtime, in the Lisle Christmas Tournament that had some really good teams in it.

“I feel we have a deep roster. We play many girls each night because we have so different girls that can step up each night. They have all contributed to our overall success and I have been happy how each girl has gotten better for our team’s overall achievement.”

With defense improving, Serena is looking to continue strong season

Huskers coach Jim Jobst, while happy with his team’s 12-4 mark, feels there still are a lot of things to work on.

“I’m happy with where we are defensively and think we can still get better,” Jobst said. “Offensively we are not quite where we would like to be, but Jenna Setchell (12.5 ppg) has done a nice job stepping into the point guard position and Macy Mahler has done a nice job scoring as well.”

Young Somonauk/Leland squad continues to improve

Somonauk-Leland coach Jason Zaleski does not have a senior on a team that is currently 4-12.

“When you see our record it’s easy to say the coaches and players are not happy, but when you step back and look at the big picture we are right where we need to be,” Zaleski said. “The goal is to compete in every practice and apply what we learn to the games. Practice culture is improving and even though it’s not resulting in wins yet, we are seeing practice concepts applied to the games. Our goal for the second half of this season is to flip our record, end at or above .500 and carry that momentum and our culture into next season.

“We have six juniors on the roster and each of them is adapting to their new role on the varsity level. Every day we are seeing something new click with each of them: Leadership, defense, role in the offense, how to handle adversity and how to win the close games. Our six juniors are setting the tone for what we expect to be a strong second half of the season and laying the building blocks for the future success of the program.”