The Waterloo girls basketball stand for the playing of the National Anthem on Friday.
Paisley Nader/Portage Sports

By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

Head Coach: Nicole Lewis, 1st year, 0-0 career record.

Coaching Staff: Becky Goodyear, Abby Mazur.

2024-25 Record: No varsity team.

Returning Letterwinners: None.

Letterwinners Lost: None.

League: Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Scarlet Division.

TEAM OUTLOOK

Waterloo girls basketball is back.

After a two-year hiatus, the Vikings return to a full varsity schedule for the 2025-26 season.

The Vikings spent the 2023-24 season competing at the freshman level, then the 2024-25 season at the JV level.

The decision was based on low roster numbers, but those numbers have improved. So much so that the Vikings will also be able to have a full JV schedule this season.

First-year head coach Nicole Lewis takes over the program and brings an offensive philosophy that will focus on ball and player movement, spacing, passing, timing and pace.

Defensively, the Vikings want to pressure the ball and be physical, while playing with mental toughness and communication.

WE HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF…

“We need to play as a team, continue to develop and stay healthy,” head coach Nicole Lewis said.

GUARDS

The core of the backcourt is comprised of a senior and two sophomores.

Senior Jade Martin, who is a foreign-exchange student, brings great court awareness, while playing with a team-first, positive attitude.

Sophomore Alexis Henry is the team’s point guard.

“She is a player who hustles and makes things happen on the court.”

Another sophomore, Johanna King, will be the shooting guard. She is athletic and can also handle the ball.

FORWARDS

A group of four help spotlight the frontcourt for the Vikings.

Julia Boyle, an athletic junior, puts the team first and is a solid defensive player.

“She puts forth effort all the time.”

Junior Mackenzie Marsh is described by Lewis as a “hard worker, with leadership and skill.” 

Marsh will also be a key to the team’s rebounding.

Another junior, Gabby Siciliano, brings depth off the bench with her hard work and hustle. Sophomore Jolean Hampton plays quick and is another solid defender.

CENTERS

Senior Miley Jones and sophomore Alysen Miller will share time in the post.

“Miley has a positive attitude and always plays hard. Alysen is also a hard worker and has a positive attitude.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Emmalee Goodyear, fresh.; Emma Murphy, fresh.; Sophia Steiner, fresh.; Chloe Bailey, fresh.; Hailey Graening, fresh.; Alexis Huffman, fresh.; Willow King, fresh.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“It is our first year back after not having a varsity program for two years. Our numbers are growing, but we are young with little experience.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Waterloo’s girls basketball program has the second-most all-time wins in Portage County history with 627.