Returning starters raise hopes for Cedarville women's basketball

Post player’s injury will likely put more emphasis on transition game.

Cedarville University senior guard Alison Lemon, a Southeastern High School graduate, averaged 15.6 points per game last season as the Lady Jackets went 21-9. Contributed photo

ENLARGE PHOTO

Scott Huck/University Photographer Aubrey Siemon

ENLARGE PHOTO

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Special to the News-Sun 10:21 PM Thursday, November 12, 2009

CEDARVILLE — Cedarville University tips off its 2009-10 women’s basketball season with an experienced team that will host Malone at 7:30 tonight, Nov. 13, in the Cedarville Classic.

A return to the NAIA Division II national tournament after a year’s absence highlighted another solid year in 2008-09 for the 21-9 Yellow Jackets.

The anticipated return of all five starters gives head coach Kirk Martin, beginning his ninth year at CU, reason to believe more of the same for the upcoming season. However, those hopes have been tempered with the loss of 6-foot-2 sophomore post and Cedarville High School product Jenna Smith — most likely out for the season with a serious knee injury suffered in the preseason.

Still, Martin sees plenty of reason for excitement.

“We now have four returning starters and this is the third season they’ve been together,” he said. “Not having Jenna is a disappointment and big loss, but we will learn from this and figure out how to compensate.”

Cedarville earned a No. 11 ranking in the NAIA Division II preseason soaches’ poll.

“I am excited about the season and to see how it all comes together,” Martin said. “Our worries and concerns have been altered, but the challenge to figure it out is what makes coaching interesting.”

Leading the returnees is NAIA All-America third-team selection Alison Lemon. The 5-7 senior guard and Southeastern grad topped the scoring charts last year at 15.6 points per game. Fellow seniors Lacie Condon and Julie Utz will serve as captains alongside Lemon.

Three juniors return to the starting lineup — each with plenty of experience. Northwestern grad Aubrey Siemon, a 6-1 forward, started all 30 games last season and was the second-leading scorer at 11.5 points per game and top rebounder (9.8 rebounds per game).

Starting guards Rachel Hurley and Lydia Miller combined for over 17 points per game and drained 87 field goals from behind the arc.

Junior Caitlyn (Mauch) Brooks will be the top choice to step in and replace the injured Smith. Brooks played in 29 games last winter, adding 6.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per outing.

Sophomore guard Kara Cayton earned All-American Mideast Conference freshman team honors last season after tossing in 6.3 points per game.

Two freshman additions to the team have the ability to make an immediate impact, especially in light of the sudden lack of depth at center: Southeastern grad Amber Hayslip, a 5-10 forward, and Danielle Spiliotis, a 6-1 post player.

“Our priority will be to run and score off transition,” said Martin. “I am extremely confident the team is prepared and looking forward to the upcoming year.”

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