Buckettes look to reload on the court after losing two All-Ohioans
NEW WASHINGTON - Nobody lost quite a pair like Buckeye Central did.
A combined 2,800 points are gone between Claudia Pifher, Emily Siesel and Julia Evak. Pifher was the first four-time All-Ohioan in a team sport in Crawford County while Siesel is the reigning Division IV Player of the Year. The Buckettes made a run to the state semifinal and have won six district championships in a row.
And even with an All-Ohio backcourt gone, expectations don't chance in New Washington.
"I think they're still high for us," coach Abram Kaple said. "With our recent success we understand that a lot of teams look forward to playing us and typically we get everyone's best shot."
The Buckettes do boast one of the most experienced players in the area, too, in senior Ryley Kantzer. She's a three-year letter winner who carved out a role as a freshman and only saw that grow each season leading to this. She averaged 5.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.2 steals last season. Alongside her as the only other returning starter is classmate Sydney Wurm who averaged 4.9 points and 1.3 rebounds, while knocking down 36 3's.
"Ryley understands what it takes to be successful, she will have to be a big leader both vocally and by action," Kaple said. "Sydney is an X-factor as one of the best shot makers on our team and in the area. Her being aggressive and seeking her own shot will give her the opportunity to have a big year for us."
Joining them in the starting lineup this season will be seniors Kennedy Deppen (5.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.2 steals), Kate Siesel (6.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals, 46 made 3's; second team N10) and Paige Collene.
"Kennedy has great length and has the ability to play inside and out, we hope to use her a lot to create mismatches depending on how teams play us," Kaple said. "Kate has the ability to score points for us in a hurry. She's a really good shooter but will need to score in other ways in order for us to be successful.
"Paige is a grit kid who does everything right for us, especially on the defensive end. She will be our backbone and our middle linebacker, per se, to ensure everyone is where they need to be."
Coming off the bench will be juniors Ella Evak and Kimmy Biglin who saw time in half of the games last season, along with sophomore Nevaeh Metzger. That experience a year ago should help them transition into bigger roles with the varsity squad easier. Sophomore Grace Collene will also see some time, as could Mara McDougal who is currently working her way back from a nagging hip injury.
"We have to be disciplined on both ends of the floor. Taking good shots within the offense and understanding assignments and attention to detail will be pivotal to our success," Kaple said. "Execution, attention to detail, setting good screens and taking good shots. All of these are crucial for us.
"Just being fundamental, too. We lack size so every box out and every close out is important to keep us from being put at a disadvantage. We like to pressure the ball and that is still something we'll rely on in hopes it leads to some early, and easy, offense."
There will be a target on the Buckettes' back, per usual, as they've won the last two Northern 10 titles. And while a repeat is naturally the goal, Kaple knows it'll be a challenge this season with so much parity in the league.
"This will be the most competitive and balanced the league has been the last five or six years."
Buckeye Central opened the season last weekend with a 63-42 win over Willard and is back in action Friday in the Smithville Classic against Ashland at 1:45 p.m.
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This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Buckeye Central girls look to skip rebuild and reload instead
