Girls Basketball Preview: Defense will be the key to success this winter

Girls Basketball Preview: Defense will be the key to success this winter. (photo by Carla Ungerecht)

It will be a different look Tippecanoe girls basketball team who takes the court starting Monday, November 27, in their season opener against Beavercreek. Four of the top six scorers from last year have graduated, and a fifth player is out for the season due to injury. That will leave a lot of question marks about who will step up for the Red Devils this season.

One thing that coach Christina Pentaudi knows is that her squad will rely a lot on defense to create scoring chances this season, and that side of the ball is something that Pentaudi has preached for years…a good defensive effort.

“We are very excited with what we have coming in this year,” Pentaudi said. “A lot of people are going to say we are going to be young, and that is very factual, but I would also say that with the youth, we have a lot of talent, and a hard-working mentality which can offset a younger team.”

“So far at practices, they have been working very hard with what we want them to do. I think we will play really good pressure defense, find the open person for a great shot, and run well in transition.”

With Butler holding the MVL championship trophy, the vibe among the team is doing what it takes to get that trophy back in Tipp City this season, and the girls are ready for that.

“It is a goal of ours this year and it has been a conversation we have had about it being obtainable,” Pentaudi said. “Our seniors really want that championship back.”

Leading the way is senior Laney Cleckner, who returns as the top scorer as she looks to take on a bigger role offensively this season.

“She has been a really great shooter for us in the past and last year I think she started adding an attacking game,” Pentaudi said. “She can use her strength for an inside game and we will need both of them from her. She brings a good leadership ability to the team.”

Senior Emma Stallard returns after taking a year off and, according to Pentaudi, she has a good fundamental shot that she needs to utilize this year. Another senior is Sam Wall but she will miss the season with an ACL injury. The Tipp coach has talked to her about what her role can look like this season with the team.

Junior Macey Griffin returns at a guard spot and will be counted on to be a contributor, along with Emily Aselage, who will be asked to step out and play some guard this season along with her usual inside game. Lydia Zweizig is another junior who looks to be a factor with her court presence this season.

Sophomores to watch include Savannah Clawson, who had a big sophomore volleyball season and Pentaudi feels she has really developed over the summer, while Courtney Post will handle things in the paint with her inside presence.

Other underclassmen to watch are sophomores Reese Hoover, Morgan Sessions, Ella Combs, and Eve McCormick. Freshman Mady Turner and Liv Hiser are two 2027 players who also look to get time and contribute.