There was a lot for Eastside coach Mike Lortie to be pleased about last season with his Blazers.
The 21-4 overall record for starters, coupled with an NECC Tournament title for the first time since 1994, were two big highlights for Eastside.
But how it ended was tough – a 47-42 loss to Central Noble to open sectional play, a team that the Blazers had already beaten twice in the regular season.
Lortie is hoping his team remembers the pain of last January while also looking to what should be another big year.
“We fully expect to contend for a conference title, repeat as the NECC Tournament champions and contend for a sectional championship and beyond,” Lortie said.
With the team’s top five scorers from a year ago back, Lortie’s lofty goals are definitely attainable. Senior Lily Kreischer is back after leading the team in points (11.8) and rebounds (seven) a season ago. She is joined by a pair of classmates – Paige Traxler and Sydnee Kessler, who also averaged double digits in points.
Also back are a pair of sophomores who saw a considerable amount of playing time as rookies last year. Lucy Kitchen averaged 6.2 points and 2.8 rebounds, while Taylor Mack added 5.3 points and 3.7 rebounds per contest.
Lortie is also encouraged by the fact that a trio of juniors up from the junior varsity squad that went 19-2 last year will give the Blazers significant depth – forwards Adelaide Elden and Rylan Moughler, as well as guard Addison Moughler.
Senior Avery Wilson will also find herself in the rotation.
Lortie has always preached defense, with his Eastside teams holding opponents under 40 points per game in all five seasons he has been at the helm. That ability to lock down offenses will be as valuable as filling the bucket on the other end.
The schedule is very similar to a season ago, with some early tests against the likes of Blackhawk Christian and Bishop Luers.
WHY #5?
With the five leading scorers back from a 21-win campaign, it’s no surprise that Eastside is getting plenty of attention heading into the season. There is a good mix of outside shooting and ballhandling, coupled with some ladies in the post. A pair of 5-foot-10 forwards in juniors Adelaide Elden and Rylan Moughler will help open opportunities up inside, as well as make the Blazers a better rebounding team.
Eastside has just a pair of sectional titles since 1979, but one of them came a few years ago under Lortie. This team is capable of capturing some postseason hardware.
KEY GAME
Whenever Eastside plays Central Noble in sectional play
A cop-out answer? Maybe. Then again, Eastside beat Central Noble twice last year in the regular season – 50-48 in NECC Tournament play and 49-41 on Jan. 19.
Eleven days later, the Cougars knocked off the Blazers 47-42 to open sectional play.
Eastside has a lot of goals this year, but the biggest is to capture a sectional title, at least. Once again, Central Noble looms at some point in Sectional 35. No matter what happens in the regular season, this season will feel like a disappointment if Lordie’s loaded lineup does not bring home some postseason hardware.
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