By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Craig Foreman

18th year

169-217 career record

THE TEAM

   • Coaching Staff: Kate Swango, Jaclyn Mahoney, Jeremy Bish, Leah Reeves, Greta Wilker.

   • 2022-23 Record: 10-13 overall; 4-10 Suburban League.

   • Returning Letterwinners (6): Arie Wilson, sr.; Maddie VanDamme, sr.; Zariyah Taylor, sr.; Kinsey Crawford, sr.; Julia Nash, jr.; Claire VanDamme, soph.

   • Letterwinners Lost (6): Lexie Canning, Arie Crockett, Katie Keller, Taylor Dunlap, Saniya Moxley, Jaime Stewart.

SEASON OUTLOOK

The Rough Riders will have to find new offensive output, with the team losing 90 percent of its points to graduation.

“We will be looking to manufacture points in new ways,” veteran coach Craig Foreman said. “We love to run, and we love to work for best shots.”

Foreman said he believes that his team’s success this season will live in the game’s trusted adage of playing “hard, smart and together.”

GUARDS

Nash is one of the purest point guards in the area. She has a gifted ability to see the floor like few can.

“She sees it better than anyone I have ever coached or been around. She has command of the floor and is one of our best defenders, as well.”

Wilson will be the team’s shooting guard and has waited patiently for her turn, while working hard to be ready for her turn. She has an above average 3-point shot and can score in other ways, too, while also being a “gifted defender,” according to Foreman.

Maddie VanDamme will move from the frontcourt to the backcourt.

“She has developed a reliable outside shot and does the little things well.”

Abby Carbone is a newcomer to the program and is described by Foreman as a “gifted athlete.” 

“She defends well and brings solid ball-handling to the team.”

Mahlia Friedman is another skilled athlete that can change games with her strength and speed, especially on defense.

Lindsay Wills is considered to be one of the best overall athletes in the district.

A freshman, Brooklynn Frank, has a great IQ for the game.

“She understands the game, and she has great overall speed.”

FORWARDS

Crawford has become one of the program’s strongest athletes in the weight room.

“She brings that to the floor, too, as a physical defender and rebounder.”

Danica Banks has worked hard to become a solid finisher inside and has the ability to be physical for rebounds.

Abby Booher can use both hands under the basket and has developed into the team’s best finisher.

A newcomer, Emily Derry, has shown passion to be a trusted team leader that will provide depth in the frontcourt.

CENTERS

Taylor has quickly gained momentum as a player and is becoming a force on both offense and defense.

“She is an excellent finisher inside, strong rebounder and solid rim protector.”

Claire VanDamme was slowed by injuries throughout last year. When she was healthy, she showed signs of the player she can be.

“She has excellent size that leads to rebounds and blocked shots, but she also has a soft touch with her shot.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Claire VanDamme, soph.; Brooklynn Frank, fresh.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Replacing all of the lost stats (to graduation), but we have confidence that this year’s girls are not only ready, but hungry.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

Foreman believes his Rough Riders can contend in the Suburban League, but also points to Copley and Highland as two of the top teams.

“The whole league is always a battle.”