Kielhofner leads young team

The Oran girls basketball program heads into this season with a new look, from its coach down to its players.

Adam Friga takes over as coach and many newcomers are vying to replace four key starters who helped the Eagles to a 16-11 record and an appearance in the district title game, which they lost to Scott County Central last season.

"I'm very excited," Friga said. "We have some very young talent coming up and we have a lot of kids who are working hard and have a good work ethic in practice so far. I think a lot of good thing are to come."

Friga said his lone returning starter, Callie Kielhofner, will play an important role with so many new starters on this season's team.

"I think her experience in big ballgames last year, playing in the district championship, and playing all four years is really going to contribute a lot with the younger kids and show a good leadership role," Friga said. "You can never simulate experience with kids. So I think that will be a huge attribute to our younger kids."

Friga had not decided who would fill the vacated spots in the starting positions. The Eagles have four returning seniors -- Kielhofner, Katey Tilley, Ellen Sikes and Kristin Roberts.

"We've got some younger kids who are fighting for some spots," Friga said. "It's open until the first game."

Freshmen Abbey Anderson and Cheyenne King, along with sophomore Claire Seyer are three of the newcomers Friga likes.

"The young kids are going to add some depth and some athleticism, something we really need," he said. "They're going to help us incorporate more full-court pressure defense. On the defensive end we're going to try to get after people, try to be in better shape and just outhustle people."