By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

• Head Coach: Aaron Gilbert, 22nd year (19th at Garfield); 292-198 career record (251-175 at Garfield).
• Coaching Staff: Andy Cardinal, Erica Jarvis.
  

  Garfield’s Kaelyn Tasker finds space from the screen set by Leah Hill.
  Paisley Nader/Portage Sports

• 2024-25 Record: 9-14 overall, 8-6 Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference.
• Returning Letterwinners (7): Mandy Cardinal, sr.; Kaelyn Tasker, sr.; Riley Grace, sr.; Charlee Hill, jr.; Kylene McMayon, jr.; Madi Seiler, jr.; Leah Hill, soph.
• Letterwinners Lost (1): Kolby Fresch.
• League: Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Grey Division.

TEAM OUTLOOK

“Like most coaches, we want to play fast with an uptempo offense,” head coach Aaron Gilbert said. “Defensively, we want to pressure the ball and play multiple defenses.”

WE HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF…

“We stay healthy and grow as a team throughout this season, especially with a difficult schedule early,” Gilbert said.

GUARDS

Senior Mandy Cardinal is the leader in the backcourt, returning as one of the top scorers in the county after averaging 15 points per game last season. 

It is not all about scoring for Cardinal, though, as she impacts the game in all ways. She also averaged 6.6 rebounds, 3.1 steals and 2.3 assists per game last year.

“Mandy is a solid guard, who is finally fully healthy and is a matchup problem with her size and ability.”

Kaelyn Tasker is the team’s point guard and also their best defender.

“Kaelyn brings energy when she is on the floor, and she can get to the rim consistently.”

Charlee Hill, Kylene McMayon, Madi Seiler, Payton Soltis and Becca Evans all will be part of the rotation, too.

Hill is a shooting guard, who can spread the defense; McMahon can play either point or shooting guard and performs well in the open floor; Seiler is a shooting guard who acts as the “energy barometer,” according to Gilbert.

Soltis’ game is similar to Tasker’s on both offense and defense, while Evans is an energy player who can shoot.

FORWARDS

Riley Grace is another top returner. She averaged 5.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.3 steals last year.

This year, though, she will return to a more natural position on the floor after moving around a season ago to help the team in positions of need.

“We are expecting big things out of her.”

Leah Hill and Jordyn Hill will also be part of the team’s frontcourt.

“Leah had a great freshman season, and she will continue to work to have her skill-set continue to grow to be a more all-around player.

“Jordyn will see some varsity time based on preseason showings, and she adds depth.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Payton Soltis, soph.; Jordyn Hill, soph.; Leah Hill, soph.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We have a tough early season schedule and it is going to demand a lot of this team.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

LaBrae and Crestview are the top-two teams, according to Gilbert.

DID YOU KNOW?

There are three Hill family members on this year’s team, continuing the family’s basketball tradition in Portage County. All three are the granddaughters of Marty and Jane Hill. … Varsity assistant Andy Cardinal is the father of Mandy Cardinal and has been an assistant coach the past several seasons.