By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

HEAD COACH

Erika Greenberg

15th season

186-122 career record

THE TEAM

Coaching Staff: Matt Witting, varsity assistant; Trent Dalton, junior varsity and varsity assistant.

2021-22 Record: 12-10 overall, 10-4 Suburban League.

Returning Letterwinners (11): Bailey Hemming, sr.; Hannah Rogge, sr.; Grace Barbour, sr.; Cailyn Ries, sr.; Sam Stask, jr.; Kailey Feckner, jr.; Brooke Manav, soph.; Julia Miller, soph.; Anna Blum, soph.; Charlotte Hart, soph.; Rayna Unverferth, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (5): Ava Ryncarz, Emily Feckner, Mackenzie Mims, Kalley Samodell, Camryn Cohn.

SEASON OUTLOOK

Aurora’s focus will be to spread the floor, create space and evenly distribute opportunities. The Greenmen want to capitalize on they shooters.

Ultimately, though, Aurora’s season may hinge on its defense.

“We can play great defense, and we want to make teams uncomfrotable on offense,” Greenberg said.

GUARDS

The trio of Cailyn Ries, Sam Stack and Brooke Manav lead the backcourt for Aurora.

Ries, a senior, is one of the best shooters on the team, but can also attack the basket when the opportunities emerge.

Stask, a junior, is also a multi-dimensional offensive talent. She is equally talented in shooting and driving, while also having tremendous court vision.

Manav, a sophomore, shines defensively with her quickness and athleticism, but can also be counted on offensively with her shooting and driving skills.

FORWARDS

Aurora’s front court is highlighted by senior Bailey Hemming, senior Hannah Rogge, junior Kailey Feckner and sophomore Julia Miller.

Feckner has worked to perfect her solid post moves, but is also comfortable with stepping out on the perimeter for shots.

Hemming has developed into a great rebounder, and she can finish at the rim. She should have the ability to get offensive rebounds for outback layups.

Rogge is a defensive standout, who rebounds well and can attack the basket offensively.

Miller is another Greenmen that has great inside moves and also be relied upon to rebound.

WHAT MAKES THIS YEAR’S TEAM SPECIAL

“Our team is special, because we have a group of girls that love each other and wants what is best for the team. They are more focused on team accolades than individual,” Greenberg said.

TEAM MOTTO

“We talked about a quote this season that focused on taking a stumbling block and turning it into stepping stones,” Greenberg said. “Now the girls joke about things that are going wrong and how they are just stepping stones. It is not our official motto, but something we have been talking about.”

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

Aurora’s offensive identity may take some time to develop.

“We have looked to adjust (offensively) and play more team basketball with more read-and-react action, while moving the ball. In the past, we have relied on one or two players to carry us, so we are hoping we can get our girls to step up and contribute.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

“Obviously, we are hoping we are one of the teams that will be contending for the title, but I think Copley and Highland are going to be the op teams to fight with for a title.”