By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

John Misenko

9th year

115-76 career record

THE TEAM

League: Metro Athletic Conference.

Coaching Staff: Mariah Siedler, assistant; Tessa Ludwick, JV.

2023-2024 Record: 12-12 overall; 7-7 Metro Athletic Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (10): Sarah Balzer, sr.; Gabby Berlin, sr.; Carlee Fafrak, sr.; Ally Harlin, sr.; Abby Harlin, sr.; Mckayla Miller, sr.; Delilah Rahe, sr.; Tia Ulrich, sr.; Nema McAmis, jr.; Morgan Stoicoiu, jr.

Letterwinners Lost (1): Olivia Bey.

SEASON OUTLOOK

The Falcons return a core group of senior starters and contributors, who are looking to improve on the 7-7 league record they have posted the previous two seasons.

“Our goals are to compete in the league, win more games than last year and try to get as far as we can in the playoffs,” head coach John Misenko said.

Offensively, the team wants to play fast and push the ball, using any opportunity they can to create offense through their defense.

GUARDS

Three All-MAC players return, with Ally Harlin, who was First Team All-MAC last year, leading the way. She averaged 10.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game last year.

“She is a physical guard, who plays hard and is a good defender. She usually gets the other team’s best player on defense and is a great leader, who I expect a lot from.”

Ally’s twin sister Abby (7 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.3 apg), along with Miller (2.3 apg, 2.1 spg), were both Honorable Mention all-league performers last year.

“Abby is our point guard and she does a nice job getting us into our offense. She is the definition of a leader, and I rely on her a lot. Mckayla does a lot for us. She can play any guard position, shoots the ball well and is a good defender. I expect her to have a good season.”

Maddie Jacobs, a senior, returns to the lineup after not playing a year ago. She has the ability to score and play with pace.

Freshman Audrey Richmond will also be in the backcourt rotation, but can play multiple positions. She can score from the perimeter, but also from inside and has great court vision and is a solid defender.

Sophomore Morgan Stoicoiu will also see time and is a quality outside shooter.

FORWARDS

Rahe is the team leader and has earned multiple accolades in her previous three seasons, including First Team All-MAC, First Team All-District and Special Mention All-Ohio last year, when she averaged 18.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 3.1 steals per game.

She is the school’s career steals leader and enters the season with 1,241 career points and 731 career rebounds.

“She is our best player and one of the best athletes in Northeast Ohio. She does so much for our team that her stats do not truly do her justice. I am glad I get to coach her instead of trying to figure out how to stop her.”

Ulrich was the team leader in made 3s last year with 19 and brings a steadying element to the offense with her pace and leadership.

Fafrak returned to the team last season after not playing as a sophomore and “gave us hard work and effort, and I was impressed with how she played,” Misenko said.

CENTERS

Balzer brings height and length to the lineup. She averaged 3.2 points and 3.3 rebounds per game last season.

“Sarah is one of our post players, who can play inside and also go out on the perimeter and shoot the ball. I think she is poised for a good season.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Audrey Richmond, fresh.; Peyton Schock, fresh.; Morgan Stoicoiu, jr.; Nema McAmis, jr.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

Misenko points to the potential for injuries, along with overall team complacency, as his top concerns.

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

For Misenko,he believes that Streetsboro and Norton should both be considered the MAC’s top teams.