Girls Basketball Prospectus

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Coach: Al Ford

Last year: 11-9, lost in first round of Class LL tournament

Key losses: none.

Key returnees: Alex Marques Sr. C, Jalen Middlebrooks Sr. G,  Julianna Houldcroft Sr. G, Stasha Greenalch Soph G/F, Kayla Guest Jr. F.

Outlook: The Indians lost Marques to an ACL injury late last year and plan to work her back slowly this season, though she has looked strong in practice. Ford can afford to wait, however, because he has lineup intact from last year.

Guest can do a bit of everything and will be a big part of what Newington hopes is a quick start to this season.

“She’s an exciting player who works hard and knows the game,” Ford said.

The Indians know what it will take to improve on last year’s 11 wins. Newington was awful at the free throw line a year ago, something which must change this year, especially in close games. Ford thinks his team lost two or three games at the line last season, which makes a big difference in tournament seeding. He also thinks Newington will be better from the outside, which will spread the floor and create room in the post as well as driving lanes.

Greenalch is a defensive whiz, and Newington should be good at converting turnovers into points this season, while Ashley Beauford will provide a nice spark off the bench. 

If Newington can put the sting of last year’s ending behind it with a good start, the Indians could have a better one this year.

Courtesy of the New Britain Herald

Sunday, December 9, 2012
Girls Basketball moves to 2-0
next