By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

Head Coach: Ashley Callihan, 3rd year, 26-21 career record.

Southeast’s Jenna Canale brings the ball up the court.
Paisley Nader/Portage Sports

Coaching Staff: Mike Stiles, Rachel Neer, Brooke Kline.

2024-25 Record: 16-7 overall, 11-3 Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (8): Bailey Morris, sr.; Alaina Hutson, sr.; Jenna Canale, jr.; Cali McPeak, jr.; Natalie Campbell, soph.; Lylia Lavigna, soph.; Leah Mesaros, soph.; Bella Mowery, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (4): Kristen Campbell, Claire Dillner, Kayla Grope, Alexandra Hrkach.

League: Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Grey Division.

TEAM OUTLOOK

“We want to push the ball in transition and use our speed to our advantage this year,” head coach Ashley Callihan said.

Defensively, the Pirates are undersized overall, so they want to “rely on playing aggressive and try to control the tempo.”

WE HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF…

“We will have to rely on our younger, inexperienced players to grow and excel at the varsity level.”

GUARDS

Southeast’s Lylia Lavigna drives into the lane from the wing during Thursday’s Portage Sports High School Girls Basketball Preview Night at Waterloo High School.
Paisley Nader/Portage Sports

Senior Bailey Morris, who was named Second Team All-MVAC last year, spotlights the group, as she returns for her third season as a starter. She was the team leader in 3-pointers last year with 25. She also has the ability to drive the lane to create for others, while also being one of the team’s best rebounders.

“She will be a leader for us on both ends of the floor. We will rely heavily on her varsity experience.”

Two sophomores help fill out the backcourt in Lylia Lavigna and Natalie Campbell.

Lavigna earned Honorable Mention All-MVAC honors last season and is a player who can score in a variety of ways.

“Lylia is an athletic wing, who made a lot of big contributions in her debut season last year.

“Natalie became a clutch defensive player for us, and we are looking for her to build on that. She will take on a key role offensively as one of our primary ball-handlers.

Leah Mesaros and Jenni Mix both earned varsity minutes by the end of last year and will be “relied upon to make plays,” according to Callihan.

FORWARDS

Jenna Canale, a junior, is a three-year starter, who has secured herself as a team leader in the lineup.

A year ago, Canale averaged 11.6 points and eight rebounds per game to be named First Team All-MVAC and Honorable Mention All-Ohio.

“Jenna has the ability to play just about any position for us, which makes her hard to match up against. She has put in a lot of work in the off-season, extending her range and she will have to adapt to playing on the perimeter some this year.”

Senior Alaina Hutson is a physical post player, who gives the Pirates a different look inside.

“We will rely on her experience,” Callihan said.

Cali McPeak, Bella Mowery and Hannah Tools will all also be in the rotation.

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Natalie Campbell, soph.; Lylia Lavigna, soph.; Leah Mesaros, soph.; Jenni Mix, soph.; Bella Mowery, soph.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We only return two players with starting experience, so our young players will have to adjust to the varsity level. Staying healthy is also a concern.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“Crestview is the defending champion from last season with a lot of key players returning.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Head coach Ashley Callihan was an All-League player at Mogadore before continuing her career at Baldwin Wallace.