Women’s Season Outlook 2009-2010:

The Lady Cards are looking to climb to the top of the WVIAC this season, after finishing with a 12-15 record to round out 2009. Fresh faces and a quick style of play will mix in with a strong veteran presence for first year Head Coach Katie Hine.

Returning from last year’s line up is lone senior Kim Mueller. Mueller led the Lady Cards last year in numerous categories including first in minutes played (32.9), steals (66), and free throws made and attempted (87/120). She also boosted the stat column by finishing second in rebounding (5.4), and field goal percentage (.435). Mueller’s strong defensive presence is looking to be joined by a blossoming offensive game.

The junior class returns four players, all of which saw the floor in at least 22 games. Bridget Buskirk will be back in the line up to provide the Lady Cards with speed at the point guard position. Buskirk saw action in 24 games, while strating nineteen of them. 

Also returning are Megan Stuvek and Nicole Izzo, standing at 6’2 and 6’3 respectively. Both posts give the Lady Cards a strong inside presence. Stuvek returns after starting 22 of 27 games in 2008-09, and provides the Cards with the high scoring average returning with 9.5 ppg. 

Kelsey Deming rounds out the junior class for WJU. Deming saw action in 22 games last year, and contributed to the Cards as a 3 point threat with a .34 shooting percentage beyond the arc. 

Returning from the sophomore class are three guards who contributed a great deal as freshmen. Kourtney Booth now holds the school record for most 3 point shots made in a game with 8 (vs. Salem International on February 19, 2009).  Booth will be a constant outside threat again this year.

Cassy Sanderson saw significant playing time as a freshmen, while averaging 16 minutes per game, and starting in 7 contests. Cassy can score from beyond the arc, or off of the drive. 

Sam Pecnik also returns for the Red Birds at the guard position.  Pecnik played in 25 contests, while being a starter in 4.  Sam provides a defensive intensity that is imperative for Wheeling Jesuit’s PRESSURIZED defense.  Pecnik has also expanded her offensive game in the pre-season.

The freshmen class provides many new faces, with the exception of one very familiar look. 

Red Shirt Freshman point guard Chrissy Pavlik will be back in the line up this season after suffering a season ending injury in just the second game last year.  After tearing her ACL, Pavlik has had almost an entire year of recovery and preparation under her belt, and looks to be full go when game time comes around.  We look to Chrissy for her playmaking abilities and offensive presence on the court. 

Joining Chrissy in the freshmen class are 11 new faces in the program. Mallory Brooks is a 5’7 guard from Vincent, OH.  Mallory is a strong defender and will be called upon to hit some outside shots for the Cards this season. 

Kara DeSantis is a 5’9 guard/forward combo from Wheeling, WV. As a local talent, Kara has stayed close to home to continue her basketball career. Kara brings a great deal of speed and athleticism to the team. 

Also staying close to home is Laken Gibson, a 5’8 guard from Shadyside, OH.  Gibson’s speed and leaping ability will aid the Cards at both ends of the floor.

Alyssa Headley is a 5’11 forward who come to us from Beallsville, OH. Headley’s work ethic and heart combined with her strong rebounding ability will add consistent depth at the forward position. 

Lauren Myers is a 5’9 guard that makes her way to Wheeling via Hartville, OH.  Myers was the first in her class to sign with WJU, and can provide us with an uncanny basketball maturity that is rare for freshmen. Lauren is able to knock down the three, or take it to the basket to score, both with a high level of consistency. 

Lindsay Primyon comes to us from Sewickley, PA.  Primyon is a 5’7 sharpshooter from beyond the arc, and can run the point as well.

Jenn Rennell comes off a successful playing career at Pickerington North HS. A 6’1 center, Rennell is expected to give us valuable minutes under the basket. As a very strong defender, Rennell is able to frustrate her opposition under the hoop. 

Also adding depth to the program are 5’6 Courtney Coleman from Martin’s Ferry, OH.  Coleman is an athletic guard who has the ability to shoot from the outside and drive to the basket. 

Brandy Contos also comes to us from Beallsville, OH. Contos is a consistent 5’6 guard who provides a high level of intensity on both ends of the court. 

Lauren Hall makes her way to Wheeling from Tiltonsville, OH. Hall is a 5’8 athletic guard and can provide depth on the wing. 

Rounding out the freshmen class is 5’8 Lesta Koucher of Pine Grove, WV. Lesta is a guard / forward combo who plays with a great deal of intensity and heart.