By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Ashley Callihan

2nd year

10-14 career record

THE TEAM

League: Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Grey Division.

Coaching Staff: Hannah Harnar, Lisa McCann, Dean Dunlavy, Mike Stiles.

2023-24 Record: 10-14 overall; 2-6 PTC.

Returning Letterwinners (7): Kristen Campbell, sr.; Claire Dillner, sr.; Kayla Grope, sr.; Alexandra Hrkach, sr.; Sarah Craver, jr.; Bailey Morris, jr.; Jenna Canale, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (2): Alexandria Morris, Emerson Smallfield.

SEASON OUTLOOK

The Pirates say goodbye to the Portage Trail Conference and enter the MVAC this season.

That transition will bring a group of unfamiliar league opponents.

Regardless of the opposition, though, second-year coach Ashley Callihan plans to focus on the team’s chemistry to enhance improvement.

“We need everyone to buy in,” Callihan said. “Not just to their individual role, but to each other, as well. They seem to have great chemistry so far, and I believe that if they continue to all be great teammates, then good things will follow.”

In the previous two seasons, the Pirates have used the depth and speed of the backcourt to create scoring opportunities in transition.

This year, the group returns four post players with varsity experience and all of them have the ability to score.

With that, Callihan plans to have “more of an inside presence this year.”

GUARDS

Campbell will be the floor general to get the offense moving, while also being a driving force on the defensive end of the floor.

“She has the ability to control the tempo and direct her teammates. She is a talented athlete, with a motor that never stops.”

Callihan said that Morris had a great off-season “spent perfecting her shot and getting stronger in the weight room.”

It has set her up to make a big impact this season, according to Callihan.

“She carved out a large role for herself last season and is expected to do the same this year.”

Craver is a quick guard with great court vision and is a tenacious defender.

“She really stepped up for us in some big moments last year.”

Olivia Bragg will also be in the rotation. She earned some varsity minutes at the end of last season and has the potential to be a nice spark off the bench.

FORWARDS

Canale is still an underclassmen, as a sophomore, but had a breakout season as a freshman. She averaged 8.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.

“She will certainly be a key player for us this season. She is an athletic forward, with a guard skill-set, who has the ability to score in multiple ways.”

Dillner is a long, athletic post player, with a high-level basketball intelligence.

“She put in a tremendous amount of time and effort over the summer, working on her game and preparing for her senior season.”

Another aggressive forward is Hrkach, who is a glue player that does a lot of the little things that don’t show up in the scorebook. Callihan said it is not unusual to see her taking a charge or diving on the floor.

CENTERS

Grope will bring a presence in the paint on both sides of the floor. Defensively, her ability to be a low-post defender and help-side defender will allow the Pirates’ guards to play aggressive on the perimeter.

Offensively, Grope can score inside, but also has the ability to step onto the perimeter and knock down a jumpshot.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Olivia Dix, soph.; Cali McPeak, soph.; Natalie Campbell, fresh.; Alivia Coss, fresh.; Lylia Lavigna, fresh.; Leah Mesaros, fresh.; Jennifer Mix, fresh.; Bella Mowery, fresh.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Staying healthy and the time to adjust to new roles this season.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“We are new to the MVAC. We are excited to become part of such a large and competitive league. Every game will be a tough battle, but the girls are excited for the challenge. Crestview is the defending champion, with a lot of key players returning.”