JOHNSON, Vt.- The Northern Vermont University-Johnson women's basketball team finished the 2017-2018 season playing some of their best basketball and had a spirited off-season preparing for the 2018-2019 season. The Badgers will be returning 10 players from last season's roster and have added 5 newcomers.
Only losing one senior has provided the Badgers with consistency in the program which Head Coach Greg Eckman and the team will look to build on. "This group can score the ball both inside and out, so we will be implementing new offensives that best utilize our offensive weapons and depth", says Eckman. Coach Eckman believes that this group has to pride themselves on preparation and hard work. "This team will be built on work ethic and preparation. For us to achieve our goals of winning the NAC we need maximum effort from each player. Whether it is in practice or the games, we need a great attitude and effort each night as we focus on the fundamentals that will make our offense and defense a success".
Alongside Head Coach Eckman will be assistant coach Hayley LeCours (4th year) and Nicole Menard (1st year).
Returning Players
Seniors:
Kaitlyn Brouard – returns to the Badgers for her 4th season. KB will be looked upon for scoring from the guard position, defensive pressure and pushing the ball in the transition game. KB has played key minutes for the Badgers throughout her career in big game for the program and will be counted on for a strong senior season.
Gina Castanada – Unable to compete in the 2017/18 season due to an early season injury, Gina brings a veteran presence to the Badgers backcourt and has the ability to score in bunches. Gina has great court vision and will be looked upon this season as the Badgers drive for a playoff berth.
Emily Marshall – a second year player for the Badger, Emily bring energy to the defense with her ability to draw charges and extend offensive plays with her knack for offensive rebounding. Emily will continue to see time at the point guard and guard this season.
Mariah Ramos – transferred into the program in January of last season and has never looked back. The coaching staff will need Mariah to continue to grow as an offensive threat both inside and at the 3-pt line. The Badgers will need her defensive presence and rebounding to lock down the paint.
Mary Richardson – returning to the Badgers for her senior year. Mary is a Badger who can stretch the defense with her 3-pt shooting and cut through defenses with her dribble penetration, Mary will be called upon to stretch defenses with her long-range shooting and will make key baskets for the Badgers all season long.
Juniors:
Lindsey LaPerle – Coming into her 3rd season with the Badgers, Lindsey is posed to move into a larger role for the Badgers this season. She has great shooting ability and will be looked upon to be a contributor in each statistical category every night.
Christle Page – Another 3rd year player for the Badgers is junior Christle Page. Page has seen minutes as a forward for the last 2 season and has proven herself to be a solid defender and rebounder. The Badgers will need Christle's experience in the post and scoring ability to be competitive this season. She is a proven scorer and can quickly light up the scoreboard with her midrange game.
Sophomores:
Devin Libby – Coming off of a freshman season that saw her contribute nightly for the Badgers in the post is Devin Libby. Devin has great vision and is constantly finding the open player. She established herself as a strong post defender and rebounder last season. The coaching staff will need Devin to contribute more this season on the offensive end in terms of scoring output to provide a good inside out attack for the Badgers.
Jocelyn Pellerin – One of the leading scorers in the 17/18 season Jocelyn has identified herself as an effective 3-pt shooter and a solid defender for the 2nd year Badger. The Badgers will need scoring consistence and improved rebounding from Jocelyn this season as they drive for a return trip to the NAC playoffs which they missed out on last season.
Ellery Kiefer – Looking forward to her sophomore season, Ellery is a strong forward with a great mid-range game who can also step back and hit the 3. Ellery will provide toughness in the post and in the rebounding game. The Badgers will need regular scoring efforts from Ellery this season to balance our our attack.
New Additions
Alexandra Barry (Hopewell Jct, NY / Carmel High School) 5'11" Forward.
Melissaann Clark (Philadelphia, PA / Nazareth Academy) 5'7" Small Forward.
Claire Harris (Seaford, VA / York High School) 5'6" Guard.
Eliza Mastellar (The Sharon Academy) 5'6" G
Amorette Rodriguez (Los Angeles, CA / Whittier High School) 5'3" Guard
Barry, a 5'11" forward from Hopewell Junction, New York will add length and shot blocking abilities to the Badger roster. Barry developed her skills at Carmel High School and during her many seasons playing for the Hudson Valley Knights. She can run the floor and has great hands which will benefit the Badgers in transition situations.
Clark, a 5'7" small forward from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, honed her skills at Nazareth Academy and while playing for the Renegades AAU program. In her senior season, Melissaann averaged 11 rebounds and 10 assists. In addition to her toughness and perseverance on the court, her ability to pull down rebounds and her willingness to work hard and give it her all on both ends of the floor all game long drew us to her.
Harris will be joining the Badgers from Seaford, Virginia. The 5'6 guard attended York High School. Harris has a good ability to get to the rim and finish. She will provide the Badgers with good depth at the guard position.
Mastellar joins the Badger family from the Sharron Academy. Her quickness on defense and in transition will help the Badgers achieve their goals of a more active presence in defending the 3-pt shot and getting the ball out in offensive transition.
Rodriguez, a 5'3" guard, comes to us from Los Angeles, California. During her time with Whittier High School, Amorette earned Second-team All-Area Basketball Honorable Mention. Through her high school career, Rodriguez averaged 10 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game. Her ability to score and her Basketball IQ will be great additions for our roster. Her passion and competitive spirit will be a great spark for our program.
This year's team has both the experience with veteran returners and a mix of new faces. Head Coach Eckman believes that this group has put the time in and hopes that it will translate throughout the season. "I know this team can have a special season. I know this team wants to have a special season and I know many have put in the effort to make a special season possible".
The Badgers will open up regular season play on Thursday, November 8th as they host Vermont Tech.