The Rootstown girls basketball team, along with youth players, students, and others, pose for a celebration photo after Friday’s victory.
Shannon Eldreth/Special to Portage Sports

By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

Head Coach: Joe Leonard, 6th year, 79-34 career record.

Coaching Staff: Brian Layton, Mike Fillmore, Lexi Roshon.

2024-25 Record: 27-2 overall, 7-0 Portage Trail Conference, Division VI state runner-up.

Returning Letterwinners (5): Colbie Curall, sr.; Cloe Bengston, sr.; Elliott Smallfield, jr.; Sophi Smith, jr.; Mia Damicone, jr.; Bailey Kidd, jr.

Letterwinners Lost (4): Nadia Lough, Kelsey Bittecuffer, Addy Germann, Sasha Nichols.

League: Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division.

Rootstown head coach Joe Leonard calls out to his team during last season’s Division VI state championship in Dayton.
Shannon Eldreth/Portage Sports

TEAM OUTLOOK

Rootstown returns for its encore after the greatest season in school history, including a berth into the state championship game. The Rovers were the first Portage County girls basketball team to ever appear in the state final.

They won a remarkable 27 games a year ago and graduated key contributing members from last year’s historical group.

There is still talent returning, though, but this year’s team is guard dominant so the offense will push the pace and spread the floor.

Defensively, the Rovers plan to unleash its patented aggressive man-to-man pressure again, including picking up full court in their press.

WE HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF…

“We stay healthy, share the ball and rebound,” head coach Joe Leonard said.

GUARDS

Senior Colbie Curall is the team’s top-returning scorer from last year, when she posted averages of 10 points, seven rebounds and three steals per game.

She is a quick and athletic wing player, who can slash to the basket in the halfcourt, but is at her strongest in transition. She is also a strong defender, who can guard any position on the court.

Another senior, Cloe Bengston, also returns after a strong junior season. She is very quick and is described by Leonard as a “next-level defender.” She can also finish at the rim or connect on open perimeter shots.

Elliott Smallfield, a junior, returns after starting a year ago. She is another exceptionally fast player, who plays very good defense, can shoot the 3 and also finish in the lane.

Adding depth to the backcourt are Sophi Smith, Mia Damicone and Bailey Kidd.

“Soph is a smart, physical guard who handles the ball. Mia is very fast and can shoot the 3 and finish at the rim. Bailey can knock down shots and is a scrappy defender.”

FORWARDS

Sophomore Ardynn Soika highlights the frontcourt.

She is a physical post player, who is very fast on the court. She has the ability to get points by driving to the basket, but also hitting jumpers.

CENTERS

Addison Pownall, a sophomore, is a traditional post player, who has height and length.

“She is getting better everyday.”

She will provide strong defense, as well as scoring potential, from the low block.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Eva Tishma, fresh.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

Rootstown’s overall defense should be another strong suit this season, but Leonard’s top concern is finishing the defensive possessions by rebounding consistently.

With a guard-heavy lineup, the Rovers will need all players to commit to it.

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

The Rovers enter their first year as members of the Chagrin Valley Conference. As the new faces, and with some unfamiliarity with the league, Leonard sees Chagrin Falls as a top competitor, but also feels his Rovers can compete for a league title.

DID YOU KNOW?

Rootstown has won 28 consecutive home games. The last loss on their home floor was when the Rovers fell to New Middletown Springfield on Jan. 28, 2023.