Lady Cougars Basketball Team Faces Tough League

The girls basketball team is already labeled as contenders in the Central League. 

With that said, the Lady Cougars are still far from perfect.

“I would say that one of my biggest concerns is our depth,” said head coach Kim Smith. “We have a lot of kids in our JV team that I don’t see coming along yet to helps us. We are a little bit thin in numbers on our varsity level. That could be an issue for us.”

Springfield returns four of its starters from a very successful campaign last season, in which the team finished 13-3 in the Central League. It was remarkable what Springfield was able to accomplish, considering they lost all five of their starters.

“Four of them graduated and one got hurt in the first game. We were rebuilding the entire year and we ended up doing pretty well,” Smith said.

The Lady Cougars put a young and speedy lineup on the court, and it resulted in success. This season, Springfield brings back four starters from last year and is looking to win the league title.

“I have three seniors who have been with me their whole careers,” said Smith.

"I would hope they will step up and be good leaders and motivate kids on the court and lead by example as well. I think leadership is a big part.”

The inside will be kept in check with senior Tori Grossi and junior Alex Poplawski.

On the wing, Springfield will start juniors Olivia Kane and Nicole Ward. Senior Meghan Dickenson will be key to the offense as well.

“ I think we will do well inside,” said Smith. “Poplawski and Grossi should play well for us.” 

The Lady Cougars don’t want to be sitting at home come playoff time. The ultimate goal is to win the league and advance to the playoffs no matter how hard the road will be.

“We want to be at that number one spot,” Smith said. “You want to be at a good position at the end of the season to be in the playoff. You don’t want to be sitting at home. You don’t work two and a half hours, six days a week, to lose games. You play to win."

When it all comes down to winning games, Springfield will rely heavily on its defense.

“It is all about defense,” said Smith. “We have to be able to defend and have to be able to change our defense and pressure to adjust. We need to get after people. That's really what we are trying to work on right now.”

Springfield Lady Cougars Facts

Coach: Kim Smith (18th season)

Last year: 15-8 (13-3 Central League)

Key Players: Senior forward Tori Grossi, senior guard Meghan Dickenson, junior point guard Olivia Kane, junior guard Nicole Ward, junior forward Alex Poplawski

Game to watch: at Haverford High School Jan. 3, at Lower Merion Jan. 18, Garnet Valley Jan. 24

Schedule:

Dec. 9 Penn Wood 6:30 p.m. (59-24 Springfield)

Dec. 13 at Ridley 7:30 p.m.

Dec 16 at Marple Newtown 6 p.m.

Dec 20 Conestoga 3:45 p.m.

Dec 22 Strath Haven 6 p.m.

Jan. 3 at Haverford High 7:30 p.m.

Jan 5 at Radnor 5:15 p.m.

Jan. 6 at Harriton 5:15 p.m.

Jan. 10 Upper Darby 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 13 at Penncrest 6 p.m.

Jan. 14 Archbishop Prendergast 1 p.m.

Jan. 18 at Lower Merion 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 20 Marple Newton 6:00 p.m.

Jan. 24 Garnet Valley 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 27 at Strath Haven 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 31 Radnor 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 3 Penncrest 6 p.m.

Feb. 4 at Downingtown West 1 p.m.

Feb. 7 Harriton 7:30 p.m.