THREE STORYLINES
Regina hoping for another title run
The Panthers (5-4) made it to the championship game last year and with four returning starters there’s no reason to think they can’t reach the final again this year.
Leading the way for Regina are two seniors averaging double digits in scoring: Maeve Degnan (14.8) and Maggie Palmer (13.8).
“We don’t just have that one go-to kid,” coach Kerry Durham said. “We have more options and that’s great for our program.”
Who will take on an increased role for Maine East?
The Blue Demons (2-7) are back at the St. Viator Tournament after a year off.
Maine East lost a lot from last year’s team, which won the Central Suburban North, and it took a big hit when junior forward Kelli Lindberg tore her right Achilles tendon on Dec. 9 against Niles North.
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“It’s a really big setback, not just with what she was giving us offensively — six to 10 points a night — but what she did for us on defense,” Blue Demons coach Karol Hanusiak said.
Lindberg’s younger sister, sophomore Holly Lindberg, will try to step up and star junior guard Janelle Alba Garner may be asked to do even more.
Leyden coach comes back to her roots
First-year Eagles coach Stephanie Kuzmanic, who played at Wheeling, grew up right down the road from St. Viator. She has Leyden (4-4) pointed in the right direction and can show friends and family just what she’s building in Franklin Park.