Freeport looking to 2 seniors for guidance

By SAM TALLARICO Eagle Staff Writer

November 23, 2005 Last Updated: November 23, 2005 12:30 PM High School

BUFFALO TWP — Freeport boys basketball coach Ron Grove lost half of his varsity roster from last season to graduation.

The Yellowjackets coach is hoping his two seniors this year will help move the team up the Section 1-AA standings.

Emily Ferko and Jamie Shockey will be looked upon to lead a young, battle-tested team.

"I told them we're expecting a lot of leadership on and off the court," said Grove.

"Emily is a three-year letterwinner and she brings that kind of experience. Jamie was hurt last year, but brings a lot of toughness we'll use this year.

"She loves the game. They all love the game," Grove added.

Ferko averaged 6.5 points per game, which makes her the top returning score for the Yellowjackets.

Shockey, on the other hand, scored 13 points in the season opener last year against South Fayette and didn't play another game because of an injury.

Those two players were key members of the Yellowjackets squad that reached the WPIAL Class AA championship game two years ago.

Grove also will be looking for big things from 6-foot junior center Cassie Smolic (four games in double figures and scored in 17 of 22 games) and 5-7 junior guard Stephanie Clowes.

"We need Stephanie. She's a big shooter," noted Grove. "Kirsten Almquist, she's our starting point guard. She does a nice job handling the basketball.

"These five all have had a lot of experience last year so that should be a big help," Grove added.

Other key contributors will be junior forward Kellie Cataldi, junior guard Kristen Prazenica and sophomore guards Samantha Campbell and Jordan Dunn.

"We're going to be counting on them a lot," Grove said. "A lot of those nine played, except for Jamie, a lot the second half of the season, and we came on in the second half.

"That's what we we're hoping to do: get them more varsity time. That's something to carry over. I think it will," he added.

The team has another sophomore in forward Jessica Fair and seven freshmen to bolster the roster.

As for the section competition, Grove knows it will be tough, but believes his team can hang in all season.

"I know it's a cliché, but this is a really, really competitive section," said Grove, now in his second season at the helm. "Greensburg Central Catholic is the team to beat and after that, they're all good teams.

"One of the things we talked about at practice is that there is not an easy game on our schedule. We have to be ready," Grove added.

FREEPORT HIGH SCHOOL 2005-06 Basketball Schedule

Dec. 2-3-

FREEPORT TIP-OFF TOURNAMENT;

Dec. 8-

KITTANNING;

Dec. 12-

KNOCH;

Dec. 16-

at Jeannette;

Dec. 19-

APOLLO-RIDGE;