Five seniors expected to give Squaws a boost

In her 11 years as coach, Terry Wengert hasn't been in this situation often.

Wengert lost five seniors from a team that went 7-18, but she's excited about the upcoming season -- which includes the return of five players now in their senior year.

"It's kind of exciting for us to have five players back who know what's going on," Wengert said. "Normally we don't have these kinds of numbers."

St. Vincent lost three starters, including Chelsey Brown, the team's leading scorer last year, but the team returns a group of five seniors, including two starters.

"These girls come in and work hard every day," Wengert said. "Practice is really upbeat."

Allison Prost, a 5-foot-9 senior center, is one of those returning. Prost averaged about five rebounds last year while battling a series of injuries and setbacks. Wengert and the rest of team are eager to see what she can do while she's healthy.

Ashley Richardet is a 5-8 senior forward and one of the most consistent players on the team. Richardet is a strong rebounder and one of the team's best defenders.

Along with Prost and Richardet, Wengert will have three other seniors to put out on the floor. Whitney Guth, Amanda Carron and Rachel Hadler will hold down the back court. All three have great quickness, but none are above 5-6.

"They all know how to get after it and when they come in," Wengert said. "They really turn it on."

Sierra Paulus will be expected to contribute significantly as one of Wengert's key players off the bench. Paulus is a 5-9 junior with speed and leaping ability. She played a key part in the JV team's 15-9 season last year.

The Indians have a rough schedule ahead of them as a member of the Jefferson County Conference. Wengert says she remains optimistic that the team's experience could carry the Squaws through to the district tournament.

"We hope to do well in the conference this year and turn things around," Wengert said.