Solanco girls basketball coach Chad McDowell has heard the whispers and he has a message for anyone who thinks the Mules recent run of success has come to an end. "There is that factor there that we did lose so many players, I think a lot of teams in the league think, well Solanco lost [starters] Grace Kreider, Jess Cabrera, Aleksa Burger, [and key reserves] Mackenzie Gladfelter, Kara McClune and they're not going to be there again," McDowell said. "Well I've got news for them. We are going to be there again. We're not rebuilding. We're not reloading. We've got the potential here to compete like we have in the other years. I've heard it in distant conversations, 'Well Solanco is not going to be where they were the last two years.' I just sort of smile and say, 'You may be right." But deep down I know we've got the making to have a team just as good as we've had the last two years if we put all the pieces together. The biggest thing is going to be getting court experience for these kids, getting them to do the little things they've done. A lot of them are coming off JV seasons last year because they were sophomores or juniors. Getting them on the varsity court and seeing the varsity speed, being able to play at that varsity level, once we get that, I think we're in good shape. We've got to be patient. We can't expect overnight success. It's going to take time. We've already seen it here over our first seven or eight practices. We've had a lot of successes." Last year, Solanco went 20-8, won a section title, and earned the top seed in the district tournament where the Mules finished fourth before falling in the first round of the PIAA Tournament for the second straight season. McDowell firmly believes the Mules are capable of perfomring even better this year. "The expectations are clearly the same, if not more," he said. "We've already started talking about how we've moved from being a team six years ago when I took over the program of just being happy to win, to now it's expected to win. We're expected to compete. We're expected to go out and challenge. We're the defending [section] champions until somebody knocks us off. The expectation is to win another championship this year, put another year up on the banner. Our goals this year are very similar to the ones we've had in the past. First off, section championship. Then district qualifier and state qualifier. It's no longer good enough just to get to states. It's now we've got to win a state game. We've been there two years in a row and lost in the first round. The goal this year is not only to get there but to get a win this year and hopefully two or three." Paige Phillips and Jenna Dombach lead an experienced and talented group of guards. Phillips was a key reserve last season and will seamlessly step into the starting lineup. "Paige can shoot from the perimeter and score off the dribble," said McDowell. "We're going to run sets for her to get open looks." Dombach is a three-year starter who will assume an even bigger role this season. "Jenna brings experience, work ethic, and a love of basketball," said McDowell. "She's going to be a leader for us this season." Nikki Trout, who saw some varsity action last season, is a scrappy defensive stalwart. Alana Yoder has rejoined the program after not playing last season. Sammi Jackson is a wing player "who can do a lot of things," McDowell said. "Sammi can score and handle the ball." Jade Eshelman, Ilynd Rapant, and Emma Urbine will anchor the Solanco frontcourt. Eshelman moved into the starting lineup midway through last season and made her presence felt immediately. "Jade was a key part of our run," McDowell said. "She is very competitive and a strong rebounder. She does all the little things inside." Rapant contributed last season in a reserve role. "Ilynd plays good defense and can score," McDowell said. "She is a no-nonsense player who is not afraid to mix it up." Urbine was recently cleared to play after suffering a knee injury in January. "Emma can play forward or center and will play a vital role," said McDowell. Comments are closed.
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