A good mix of experience, talent and all-around athleticism is a perfect way to describe this season’s Lyons Township girls basketball team.
Guard Colleen Connors returns for her third and final season on varsity. Connors led the Lions in scoring last season with 11 points per game. The Lions also return leading rebounder Clare Polega, a 5-foot-10 senior center who head coach Katie Meyers describes as “physical, vocal and eager.”
“While Clare isn’t necessarily the most visible player in terms of stats, she is a crowd favorite,” added Meyers. “Fans and teammates love her, opponents dread her. She has a clear passion for the game and it’s transparent through her daily effort in practices and games.”
Ashanti Davis and Maggie Orlowski return as well. Davis, a junior guard who has gained interest from a few Division I colleges, is due to have a breakout season.
“Ashanti can consistently score, rebound, and play tough defense,” said Meyers. “Once she has the execution of our offense down, she can be unstoppable. The community is going to love watching her play.”
Newbies Vicki Swift and Kayla Morrissey are expected to play significant roles. Swift, a freshman, is a three-point specialist. Morrissey is a sophomore transfer student from Benet that will play both guard and forward.
Lyons will have its hands full in the West Suburban (Silver) Conference with the likes of Oak Park, Proviso West and Hinsdale Central. Oak Park returns Illinois State-bound Stekara Hall, who averaged 19 points and 11 rebounds last season.
“If we continue to build on each game and practice and constantly show improvement through the season, we will have success,” said Meyers. “In the past, this program has hit a plateau. But constant and never ending improvement will determine this team’s success.”
