By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

John Misenko

1st year (7th overall)

89-53 career record

THE TEAM

Coaching Staff: Tessa Ludwick, varsity assistant; Mariah Siedler, junior varsity and varsity assistant.

2021-22 Record: 8-15 overall and 4-9 Metro Athletic Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (9): Anna Harlin, sr.; Olivia Bey, jr.; Mickey Herendeen, jr.; Sarah Balzer, soph.; Tia Ulrich, soph.; Delilah Rahe, soph.; Ally Harlin, soph.; Abby Harlin, soph.; Mckayla Miller, soph.

SEASON OUTLOOK

The Falcons started four freshman last year as one of the youngest teams in the Metro Athletic Conference. That experience should prove valuable this season.

John Misenko steps in as the program’s new head coach after spending the previous six years as the head coach of the Kenston Bombers girls team. Misenko experienced success and helped guide the Bombers to their only district championship in 2019.

Offensively, the Falcons will want to “play fast and push the ball,” according to Misenko.

“We also want to create offense off our defense.”

The team has set three goals for the season.

“We want to compete in the Metro Athletic Conference, win more games than last year and try to get as far as we can in the playoffs,” Misenko said.

GUARDS

Delilah Rahe had a breakout freshman season for the Falcons, averaging 15.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.3 steals per game.

The left-hander is physical and can get to the basket. Defensively, she is aggressive and is a premier rebounder.

“Delilah is our best athlete, who can do a lot of things on the court. I am glad she is on our team,” Misenko said.

Four other sophomores fill out Field’s backcourt, including Tia Ulrich, twins Ally and Abby Harlin and Mckayla Miller.

Ulrich averaged 4.6 points and 3.0 steals last year.

“She is a leader on and off the court. She can shoot and drive,” Misenko said.

Ally Harlin averaged 6.1 points a year ago.

“She is a physical guard who plays hard and is a good defender. I am expecting her to have a good year,” Misenko said.

Abby Harlin provider a scoring pop last year at 8.2 per game. She will handle the point-guard spot this season.

“I expect a lot from her because as a point guard, she needs to be that second coach out there getting her teammates in the right spots and to keep pushing the ball in transition,” Misenko said.

Miller will provide depth at both point guard and shooting guard. She can handle and shoot the ball well.

FORWARDS

Anna Harlin is the team’s only senior and she has emerged as the team leader.

“I rely on her a lot to get things done,” Misenko said. “She has really helped me in my first weeks.”

Junior Olivia Bey will provided expanded minutes this year.

“Olivia works really hard and is a leader,” Misenko said.

Mickey Herendeen, another junior, is a “good athlete that I think has the potential to be a really good defender,” according to Misenko.

CENTERS

Sophomore Sarah Balzer is a post player that can also stretch out to the perimeter.

“I think she has the potential to be our best post player,” Misenko said.

WHAT MAKES THIS YEAR’S TEAM SPECIAL

“This team is special because they are young and hungry. They want to get better and build off of last year.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Gabby Berlin, soph.; Maddie Jacobs, soph.

TEAM MOTTO

T.E.A.M.

Together everyone achieves more.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Injuries and inexperience,” Misenko said.

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“Norton is the champ until someone beats them. Streetsboro, Woodridge and Cloverleaf are all up there, as well,” Misenko said.