The Roncalli Jets girls’ basketball team has always been blessed with numbers and talent. It’s been a matter of keeping everyone healthy to compete.
They hope this will be the year everything comes together and be a “serious contender” in The Eastern Wisconsin Conference.
There’s also a new face on the bench as Jason Shimon joins Head Coach Amanda Bauer’s staff.
He has previous experience coaching at Southern Door several years ago and now teaches at Roncalli High School.
In an interview with Seehafernews.com, he explained why he wanted to return to coaching.
“I’ve been following the team for a while and helped behind the scenes a little bit last year. When the last season ended, Amanda (Bauer) and I talked briefly. She asked if I wanted to come back and coach, and I was more than willing.”
Assistant Coach Mike Quistorff, known by the team and close friends as “Q,” has nearly three decades of coaching experience on the collegiate and high school levels. He says this year will be his last and was asked what brought him back for one last hurrah.
“The girls and the game. I enjoy it all. I love being around Coach Bauer. We’ve shown a lot of quickness in camp and will try to play a bit more up-tempo this year. It should be fun.”
Senior guard Lauren Stangel returns as a fourth-year starter. She averaged over 14 points per game last season and admits she’s a “gym rat,” always looking to improve.
“I’m in the gym every day, always trying to get better and improve my game. I look forward to practice and can’t wait to get (the season) started.”
Senior Emme Risch also spent much time in the gym this summer and says two areas of her game have improved.
“Shooting. I’m just more comfortable with my shot. I also love getting physical, chasing down, and winning battles for loose balls. It’s a fun part of the game.”
Bella Jacky returns having led the EWC in rebounding as a junior at nearly ten a game.
Head Coach Amanda Bauer says these three, along with Madison Lamers, have all been named captains. She can’t pinpoint just how many games the Jets will win this season, but it guarantees that her team will give one hundred percent effort every night.
“Lauren has started every game as a freshman, and Bella, Emerson, and Madison have been with this team as freshmen. They’ve all been named captains and will show the younger players what it takes to succeed and leave a legacy at Roncalli”.
Roncalli opens their season tonight, hosting The Plymouth Panthers at The Hangar. Coverage begins at 6:40 p.m. on 97.1 FM WCUB and cubradio.com.
