New system in place for Central surge

The future looks bright for Central girls basketball, and not just because the Tigers return four starters from a 17-9 season.

The school has hired a freshman coach -- former Southeast Missouri State University player Kristy Roherty -- and will play its first freshman schedule. And at an even lower level, basketball has been instituted in the fifth and sixth grades.

"We're looking for that to be the future of the program," said Central coach Sheila Midgett, who begins her second season.

The Tigers will also play in their brand new gymnasium, which lends an air of excitement to the program.

Central has two returning all-region players to help christen the gymnasium. Junior point guard Megan McDonald (5-foot-8) averaged 12 points a game last season, while senior forward Alex Wieser (6-foot) averaged 15 points in attracting second-team honors.

McDonald and Wieser, who have played varsity since their freshman years, will be called upon to help fill the vacancy left by graduated second-team all-state performer Sarah Hyslop, who led the team in scoring and rebounding last season.

"That definitely leaves a big hole as far as offense and rebounding, but I think we have some kids capable of stepping up on offense and on the boards," Midgett said. "I look for Megan and Alex to step up and put more points on the board, but I'm also looking to everyone else to contribute."

Guard Anna Brisso (5-9) and forward Laura Beard (5-9), both seniors, return as starters. The Tigers also have good size in returning letter winners Vicky Wilson (forward/center, 6-0), Courtney Edge (forward, 5-11) and Natalie Followell (guard, 5-8), all seniors.

The Tigers have also moved up sophomore guard Erica Schabbing (5-9) up from last year's JV.

"I think our strength is the fact we have so many seniors and they also have a year under me already and understand what my expectations are," Midgett said. "I expect us to bond a little better this year than last year."

Of the seven players Midgett will be counting heavily upon, none is less than 5-foot-8.

"Although we're big, I think we're also quick," Midgett said.

McDonald, Wieser and Brisso are also accurate outside shooters capable of giving the Tigers a perimeter attack.

Midgett is looking for McDonald, a slick passer, to help in a number of areas.

"I definitely think she's one of the better point guards around," Midgett said. "She handles the ball well, reads defenses well and also plays good defense."

Midgett wouldn't mind if she adds high scoring to her repertoire.

"She can be a big scorer, but she's very unselfish," Midgett said. "Sometimes she passes up her own shot because she passes the ball so well."

Midgett also thinks Brisso, an overlooked shooter in the past, can surprise people with her offense.

"I think we definitely have the ability to score," she said. "We want people to step forward but we want them to have good shot selections. If we shoot with confidence, we're capable of scoring."

Wilson, Beard and Edge will be called on to help pick up the rebounding load for Central.

A concern for the Tigers will be a lack of depth.

Sophomores Meg Yates (guard, 5-4) and freshmen Lauren Loftis (forward, 5-8), Danie Gross (guard, 5-5) and Lisa Langenfield (forward/center, 6-0) should see limited playing time, but are a big drop off in playing experience.

"Offensively I think we'll be fine, but we're not very deep so we have to be cautious about getting into foul trouble," Midgett said.

jbreer@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 124