WOODWARD — Two seniors graduated from the Woodward-Granger girls basketball team in May, but the Hawks return plenty of experience as they seek to improve upon a 4-19 record last season, a mark that included a 1-15 slog through the WCAC.
Shooting woes plagued head coach Gary Dresback’s club last year, as the Hawks sank only 267-of-838 (32 percent) of two-point shots and only 22-of-134 (16 percent) of three-pointers. Of the players returning, the team shot just 7-of-62 beyond the arch.
W-G also connected on only 192-of-392 (49 percent) free throws, a factor in several games last season.
“I think one of the things that will be most important for us to play with more consistency,” Dresback said. “Obviously we have to improve offensively, but we need to do things the right way more often and not have ups and downs from one game to the next.”
Kayley Dresback is back after scoring 146 points (6.3 ppg). The senior led the team at the foul line with a 65-of-117 (55.6 percent) clip while distributing 52 assists and making 44 steals.
Juniors Katelyn Scharlau and Natalie Helbling will be called upon to play key roles. Scharlau had 126 points (5.7 ppg) and 143 rebounds (6.5 rpg) and 24 steals, with Helbling providing 103 points (4.5), 67 rebounds, 46 steals and 37 assists.
Junior Mae Anderson tallied 70 points (3.4) and clearing 44 rebounds while returning senior Lisa Pitman had 50 points (2.2 ppg) and 81 boards.
“We have plenty of girls back who have seen plenty of varsity playing time, and I would expect that experience will help us,” coach Dresback said. “If we stay healthy and remain positive I think we can be a much better team this year.”
