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The Lady Thunder basketball team is looking forward to getting the 2002-03 season under way. The Lady Thunder will miss the play of Tammy DeCounter and Mel Yeast, but return 10 letter winners from a 2001-02 team that finished the year 18-10. The big question this year will be the Thunder's post play. The Thunder return All-Conference Ashley Yeast at the center position and expect good things from her. "Ashley is going to be a huge factor this year. If she can take her play to the next level night in and night out she will take a lot of the pressure off of our guards. I have made it no secret that she is the key to how late into February we are playing," stated Coach Finch.
The other likely starter at the post position will be Jessie Rodeffer. Jessie Rodeffer has two years of varsity experience coming into this season. Coach Finch said, "I don't expect big numbers from Jessie, but I think she gives us consistency. She will do the intangibles for us that probably won't show up in the newspapers." Other players at the post position that will help contribute are seniors Marcy Wood, Sarah Dihle, Darcie Palmer, Kayla Reische, and sophomore Amber Eaves.
The Thunder's most experienced players will be at the guard position. The Thunder return Brooke Campbell, Amber Pence, Megan Harper and April Gittings from last years squad.
Newcomers Brittany Logan and Brittany Campbell will see playing time as well. Amber Pence is no secret to the surrounding area coaches as she hopes to make her senior year her best yet. Amber averaged 16.5 ppg, 4 steals, and 8 rebounds in 2001-02. "Amber is a rare find in small 1A schools. Amber is known to be a scorer, but it is the other things that make her so valuable. Some of the passes she has made over the course of her career have been unbelievable. She makes everyone around her better," said Coach Finch.
However, Amber Pence will not be the only guard that the Thunder will look to go to. Other than Brittany Logan and Brittany Campbell, all of the other guards have varsity experience. Brooke Campbell was the third leading scorer from last years squad, Megan Harper made it to state in the three point contest, and April Gittings may be one of the best defensive players in the area. About his guards Coach Finch said, "It is nice to have guards that are interchangeable. They get along with each other and know their role on the team." Finch added, "I have been blessed to have had two years of co-op with such great kids. They fit well together."
The Thunder open their season Thursday, November 21 at Southern.