2005-06 Women's Basketball
Outlook

New Coach, New Team, New Outlook on LEC Women's Hoops

With only three returning players, a fresh coaching staff, and a 2004-2005 record of 1-21 the Lake Erie College women's basketball team is starting with the motto "new coach, new team, new outlook".
Coach Bob Booher begins his first season as Lake Erie's head coach, coming from a successful six seasons at nearby Lakeland Community College. A native of Painesville, Booher compiles a 129-52 record, including a 24-6 mark last year.

As a fairly young and new team the Storm expects to create uproar in the league once it has grown accustomed to Booher's unique coaching style and expectations. "I expect that we will surprise people with our effort and upscale tempo for 40 minutes every game," Booher said.

Sophomore Loni Sargent (Hubbard, Ohio/Hubbard) led the team in all statistical categories last year and is expected to continue growing within the Storm front. She is looked at to be the team's leader in double-figure scoring and key in pressing defense. As a post player Sargent has the unique ability of being able to run the floor. She started 21 out of 22 Storm games last year and had 293 points and had 202 rebounds on her way to being named the team's only AMCC All-Conference team member.

Junior Sarah Miller (Covington, Ky./Holmes) is expected to be the top reserve player that can show her skills on the perimeter and in the post. One of the team's best outside shooters, Miller has strength around the basket and could prove to be the team's best three-point threat. Last year Miller finished on top of the Storm stats for assists, averaging 3.1 per game and averaged 7.1 rebounds per game.

Senior Heather McElwain (Mentor, Ohio/Mentor) contributed critical minutes last season and is expected to provide strong leadership from the two-guard spot. She has a good outside shot and upon recovering from a stress fracture can be looked at to challenge for crucial playing time. Senior Stevi Culverwell (Cassadaga, N.Y./Cassadaga Area) returns to the court after a one-year hiatus after suffering a broken leg in the 2003 soccer season. Stevi will bring the Storm depth in the post and is a strong defensive player who is still developing her offensive skills.

Sophomore Tiffany Mathews (Cleveland, Ohio/East Technical) is a transfer student from Cloud County Community College in Concordia, Kansas. She will be starting at point-guard and combines a good mid-range jumpshot with the ability to create shots in the paint, providing the Storm with Storm a true point-guard this season. Sophomore Danielle Ruggieri (Mayfield Heights, Ohio/Mayfield) is a transfer student from Lakeland Community College and will start at one of the team's key perimeter spots. She is one of the stronger defensive players on the floor and is a creative passer that has shown an improved offensive game since her freshman year playing for coach Booher.

Freshman Angela Bethel (Beavercreek, Ohio/Miami Valley) joins the team from an outstanding high school career and is expected to offer scoring and ball-handling expertise in the backcourt. She has a good outside shot and may be the team's best shooter from the line. Freshman Kelsey Lackey (Guysville, Ohio/Federal Hocking) will take one of the starting center spot. She is equally adept at scoring with either hand and is looked to be one of the top rebounders.

Freshman Megan Sanger (Miles, Iowa/East Central) will backup both post positions and brings a nice jumpshot to the floor. She is developing as a defensive stopper and is working on ballhandling for an inside player. Freshman Melissa Greco (Kirtland, Ohio/Kirtland) will be the team's local player. She is making the adjustment to a perimeter position after playing in the post in high school. Melissa brings a great work ethic and is likely to lead the team in taking charges. Sophomore Shaina Vanderpool (Chillicothe, Ohio/Chillicothe) is in her first year of Storm hoops. She is working hard to get back into basketball playing shape after having a year off. Shaina displays good strength and is working hard to develop her outside shot. Freshman Nicole Artis (Youngstown, Ohio/Cheney) is in the process of recovering from a knee injury in the early season. She is the tallest of the new Storm crew and is expected to provide an inside scoring presence once she returns to action.

The remaining coaching staff includes assistant coach Darren Jones, who joins the team from Ursuline College. Jones has also previously coached at Lutheran East and Beachwood high schools. Alyssa Rickert will serve as the team's graduate assistant coach. Rickert is a 2005 graduate and standout four-year player of Ohio Northern University.

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