The Cumberland Regional High School girls basketball team must replace one of the top players in school history.
Lauren Whelan, a 1,000-point career scorer, graduated last spring.
She now plays soccer and basketball for Rosemont College, a Division III school in Pennsylvania. The Colts must replace her scoring this season.
"We have to find scoring," Cumberland coach Todd Jorgenson said. "The girls work hard. They want to compete. We'll rely on our defense while we get the scoring squared away."
In addition to Whelan, Cumberland also graduated guard Nicole Larro. But the Colts do return three starters from last season's 8-17 team.
SyDonnie Dawkins is a promising 5-7 freshman.
"She's strong and she'll be aggressive to the basket," Jorgenson said of Dawkins. "We'll look to her for scoring, rebounding and defense."
Jorgenson said the Colts will also rely on their speed. Katie McCormick, a 5-5 senior, is maybe the team's quickest player and will guard the other team's best offensive player.
"We'll use our speed defensively to try to create some turnovers and hopefully get some baskets out of turnovers," he said. "We're young, but I think we'll grow quickly defensively."
Contact Michael McGarry:
609-272-7185
Girls
League: Tri-County Conference Diamond Division
Coach: Todd Jorgenson
Last season's record: 8-17
2012-13 prediction: Rebuilding - Colts are young and must replace 1,000-point scorer Lauren Whelan.
Key players: Felicite Diorio, Sr., 5-9, F; Jodi Cook, So., 5-8, F; Katie McCormick, Sr., 5-5, G; SyDonnie Dawkins, Fr., 5-7, F/G; Raykena Brown, Jr., 5-4, G; Asia Hester, Sr., 5-9, F/G.
Key games:
5:30 p.m. Jan. 3 vs. Millville
5:30 p.m. Jan. 4 vs. Gloucester Catholic
5:30 p.m. Jan. 10 vs. Gloucester
5:30 p.m. Feb. 9 vs. Schalick
