By Chris Parker
Seth Lash takes over as head coach of the Marion C. Early girls basketball program this season. He spent the past two seasons as head coach of the Wheaton boys.
“I was looking for a place that would get me closer to my family and Marion C. Early was available. They are a great school with a rich history in athletics as well, it was an instance where I could improve my personal and professional life with this opportunity,” Lash said.
He inherits a program coming off a 16-win season, which was the fourth consecutive season MCE was over .500.
To extend that streak to five, MCE must replace some key graduates.
“The team lost three seniors who accounted for 62% of the scoring and 46% of the rebounding,” Lash said. “I believe we have the players available to fill those voids. On top of their statistical value, we also lose their locker room presence and leadership. I think the seniors returning this season are going to do a great job of rallying the girls together and getting the younger players ready for varsity competition.”
Seniors Addie Bess, Lilly Thompson and Miya Bess return.
Addie Bess averaged 2.1 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game.
“(Addie Bess) is a player that will be asked to do a multitude of different things for us offensively and defensively because of her versatility,” Lash said. “She brings some toughness to our group and can set the tone for us with that. She is so reliable and brings a steady presence/energy to keep us centered when things aren’t going our way.”
Thompson is the leading returning scorer and rebounder at 7.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.
“(Thompson) is a returning two-year starter who has good size and athleticism,” Lash said. “She has led the team in rebounding the last two years and is a double-double threat anytime she steps on the floor. Our best version of us as a team is when she is playing well on both ends of the floor and I think she is ready to step up and accept that leadership role and the expectations that come with it.”
Miya Bess contributed 2.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1 assist per game.
“(Miya Bess) is a high energy player that is going to play her hardest whenever she steps on to the floor,” Lash said. “(She is a) really unselfish player that cares about her teammates. She is a tireless worker, her intensity and ball pressure on defense will be a big factor for us this season.”
The sophomore trio of Ireland Foster, McKenna McLean and Haven Hart also return.
Lash on Foster: “She is a player that had an encouraging freshman year playing varsity. I think she had a good summer and is ready to make a larger impact for the team. Similar to Addie, I think Ireland also is a player that can be a Swiss army knife for us and be able to keep defenses off balance.”
Lash on McLean: “She works hard and has a good attitude. Last season she only played a limited role but has a chance to carve out a bigger role for herself this year.”
Lash on Hart: “She is a hard worker and a team first player. She had a limited role last year but has a chance to carve out a bigger role for herself this year.”
Haley Madewell (junior), Aina Conill (sophomore), Kinley Reed (freshman), Angel Maples (freshman), Charly Dobler (freshman), Kinley Wilson (freshman) and Charlotte Hicks (freshman) will be newcomers.
Lash on Madewell: “She is joining the team after missing last year. She is a smart player that is a long athlete. She will be a great asset for us on offense and defense because she understands where to be and when to be there.”
Lash on Conill: “She is a foreign exchange student she played softball this fall and we look forward to what see can do for us.”
Lash on Reed: “She has a lot of ability and will be tasked with a larger than normal freshman role, but she has the ability to take on that task and succeed. She is an ultra-competitor and will fit in well with the young ladies that are returning ahead of her.”
Lash on Maples: “She is a good kid that has understands the game well and likes to compete.”
Lash on Dobler: “She competes hard, a strong defender, and a great teammate.”
Lash on Wilson: “Smart player that is going to be in the right spot, unselfish and great teammate.”
Lash on Hicks: “She is a competitor and will bring toughness to our team.”
MCE will lean on defense while the players settle in to a new offense.
“I think we have a chance to be a very good defensive group and can lean on that identity as we adjust to a new coach and being comfortable in a new system on offense,” Lash said.
MCE opens the season on Nov. 25 at home against Diamond.
“I want to see this team grow and come together as the season goes on. We have a lot of girls in new roles and different expectations of them this year,” Lash said. “The goal every year is to always be playing your best basketball at the end of the season and give yourself the best chance to be one of the last teams playing.”
