Guards Geared To Lead Girl Hoopsters

First-year New Canaan High girls varsity basketball head coach Kim Palmer, who was a four-year player at Eastern Connecticut University,  didn't have to introduce herself to the team when practice recently began.

Palmer had been the junior vasity coach and varsity assistant for the past two years and had worked with most of the team members on the jv level.

So, in replacing Brett Gillan, Palmer had what she termed, "a nice transition."

Last year's squad finished with a 16-7 record, a #3 seed in the FCIAC tournament and, for the first time in seven years, a win in the state playoffs. The team won its first game of the year Friday night against Bassick.

Three  of the regulars Alex Lysenko, Kristen Gutierrez and Kelly Warlich. have graduated.  But last year's freshman starting point guard is expected to lead the offense again. Sophomore Sarah Mannelly is a "game changer, one of the best athletes I've ever seen. She's usually two passes ahead of everyone else," said Palmer.

Mannelly's backcourt partner will be Kasey Pippit, fresh off a winning soccer season. Pippitt will play the "off" or two-guard spot. The senior was an All—FCIAC second team selection last year. Pippitt is a hard-nosed defender, the type of player Palmer calls, "scrappy, gets loose balls and is a leader, both vocally and by example." 

Ali Warlich, a co—captain along with Pippitt, comes off the bench into a starting role at forward. Palmer said she is a leader like Pippitt, but more of a quiet leader.

"The kids respect her work ethic when she steps out on the court," Palmer said, "She and Pippitt really complement each other in leadership qualities."

Junior Melissa Tweed is expected to start at forward this season with junior Cristina Loop and senior Erin Fessler also seeing plenty of playing time. Palmer said she's been impressed with a host of juniors who moved up from the jv team.

"I think they'll have a big impact this season as they continue to develop as varsity players," she said.

Bridgett O'Leary, a forward/center, who missed last season, is expected to come off the bench in the rotation. Others expected to see playing time are sophomore, Hanna Femia, freshman Courtney Rogers and sophomore Racquel Roganti, who is working her way back from an injury.