By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Jen Ritch

9th year

85-100 career record

THE TEAM

Coaching Staff: Bill Ritch, varsity assistant; Erika Johnson, junior varsity and varsity assistant; Tessa DiFrancesco, varsity assistant.

2021-22 Record: 14-8 overall; 8-2 Portage Trail Conference; co-league champions (Rootstown).

Returning Letterwinners (9): McKenna Whitehead, sr.; Jocelyn Lawrentz, sr.; Lauren Holler, sr.; Katie Holler, sr.; Brook McIntyre, jr.; Olivia Kidd, jr.; Amelia Morris, soph.; Julie Tompkins, soph.; Ari Tompkins, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (4): Amber Morris, Brooklyn Beckford, Ali Peak, Lauren Hanlon.

SEASON OUTLOOK

The Wildcats return a collection of talented players from last year’s league-championship campaign.

Head coach Jen Ritch has priority on four key categories in order for the Cats to have the chance to defend their title.

In addition to staying healthy, Ritch wants her team to push the pace, defend aggressively and rebound well.

Offensively, expect Mogadore to push the tempo and control the glass.

“We need to shoot more effectively from the outside, and we want to to get to the foul line as much as possible,” Ritch said.

GUARDS

Junior Brook McIntyre is coming off a sophomore season that ended with her being named the PTC’s Player of the Year. She averaged 16.9 points per game, along with 3.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 3.5 steals per game.

She was also named to the Division III All-Ohio Special Mention Team.

“She is an explosive guard, with a quick handle and can score many different ways,” Ritch said. “She is our emotional leader on the floor.”

McKenna Whitehead (7.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.9 spg) is another All-PTC First Team player returning.

“She is a quick guard that can slash. She is an excellent rebounder for her size,” said Ritch, who also expects Whitehead to be the team’s key defensive specialist.

The group of Julie Tompkins, Ari Tompkins, Kendall Barcus and Katie Holler will all see minutes in the backcourt for the Wildcats.

Julie Tompkins led the team in charges taken last year.

FORWARDS

Jocelyn Lawrentz was a nice all-around player for the Cats last year and averaged 6.4 rebounds per game.

“She is an excellent rebounder and has a great nose for the ball. She runs the floor well, too,” Ritch said.

Amelia Morris, who played quality minutes a year ago as a freshman, will likely step into a starting role this season.

“Amelia has great court vision, runs the floor well and can rebound well,” Ritch said.

Olivia Kidd, according to Ritch, will hold a very important role for the team as she steps into the starting rotation.

“Olivia can score inside or out and very level-headed. She is a great communicator and a team leader,” Ritch said. “She has the best hands on the team.”

Lauren Holler, a “physical, athletic defender and strong rebounder” will also be in the rotation.

WHAT MAKES THIS YEAR’S TEAM SPECIAL

“We are small, but mighty and quick,” Ritch said. “If we can find our new identity, we can play some really tough basketball.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Amelia Morris, soph.; Julie Tompkins, soph.; Eden Cameron, fresh.; Rylee Clark, fresh.

TEAM MOTTO

In it together.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“We are undersized, and we need to stay healthy,” Ritch said.

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

Ritch expects her team to be in contention to repeat again this year, but she also pointed to Rootstown and Southeast as the league’s top contenders.