[Stardust]

Highlands
Coach: Jaime Walz-Richey (174-111 in 10 seasons)

Last season: 19-11 (district runner-up, lost to St. Henry in region quarterfinal)

Key players: Jr. F Leah Schaefer, Jr. C Jesse Daley, Jr. G Ava Abner, Jr. G Vanessa Fisse


Outlook: The junior-heavy Bluebirds will be running the offense through their post players, Schaefer and Daley, who complement each other with differing skill sets. Schaefer is the catalyst, able to take her defender anywhere. That helps free Daley down low where she is a force with vastly improving skills. It's up to Abner, the point guard, to make sure the post presence gets the ball. Senior guard Sydney Watson and junior guard Emilie Parton are being asked to step into larger roles. "It's going to be a battle with NCC," Walz-Richey said. "Our main goal is being ready to compete every night no matter what name is on the other jersey."