By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

John Misenko, Jr.

2nd year at Field; 8th year overall

14-11 at Field; 103-64 overall

THE TEAM

   • Coaching Staff: Mariah Siedler, assistant; Tessa Ludwick, JV.

   • 2022-23 Record: 14-11 overall; 7-7 Metro Athletic Conference.

   • Returning Letterwinners (10): Olivia Bey, sr.; Sarah Balzer, jr.; Tia Ulrich, jr.; Delilah Rahe, jr.; Ally Harlin, jr.; Abby Harlin, jr.; Mckayla Miller, jr.; Gabby Berlin, jr.; Averi Weis, soph.; Morgan Stoicoiu, soph.

   • Letterwinners Lost (1): Anna Harlin.

SEASON OUTLOOK

The Falcons’ junior class, once again, makes up the core of the varsity roster for the third straight season. The group has gained tremendous experience over the last two seasons and have lifted their win totals each year from eight as freshmen to 14 as sophomores.

Misenko has challenged them to take the next step.

“Our goals are to compete in the Metro Athletic Conference, win more games than last year and try to get as far as we can in the tournament,” Misenko said.

“We need to get better every day in practice and have it translate onto the court in games.”

GUARDS

Ally Harlin, Abby Harlin and Miller will all three be the leaders in the backcourt.

All three were major contributors a year ago.

Ally Harlin averaged 8.0 points and 5.2 rebounds per game last season and was recognized as an All-MAC Honorable Mention player.

“She plays hard and is a good defender. She is a great leader, who I expect a lot from.”

Ally’s twin sister Abby was also Honorable Mention All-MAC. She averaged 7.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.3 steals per game.

“She did a nice job learning our offense last year. We need her to keep growing as a point guard and leader in order for us to keep growing as a team. I know she can handle it.”

Miller is a versatile guard that can help run the offense and also shoot from outside.

“She does a lot for us, and I expect her to have a good season.”

FORWARDS

Rahe returns after a phenomenal sophomore campaign that included numbers (18.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 3.3 steals and 1.6 blocks per game) and accolades (First Team All-MAC, First Team All-WTCBCA, Second Team All-Inland District and Honorable Mention All-Ohio). She also led Portage County with 111 made free throws last season.

“She is our best player and one of the best athletes in Northeast Ohio.”

Two others, Tia Ulrich and Carlee Fafrak, make their return to the program.

Ulrich was on the roster last season, but was injured in the team’s final scrimmage of the preseason and ended up missing the entire year.

She is a smart player that can be a playmaker and scorer.

Fafrak returns after taking last year off and is an energy and effort player that can fill multiple key roles.

CENTERS

Bey is the team’s lone senior and Misenko said that he will “rely on her to be a team leader and help keep the standards and expectations for the team that we are building as a program.”

Balzer can play inside and outside.

“I think she can become our best post player.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Averi Weis, soph.; Morgan Stoicoiu, soph; Nema McAmis, soph; Gabby Berlin, jr.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

Misenko listed injuries and complacency as his top two concerns for the season.

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

Misenko pointed to Norton, Streetsboro and Woodridge as the teams he feels will be at the top of the Metro Athletic Conference.