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By BUBBA KAPRAL
CADIZ -- Most times when you lose seven seniors to graduation, a rebuilding scenario will follow.
Not so for Harrison Central this winter.
Nick Yourkovich, settling in for his ninth season at the Huskies' helm, is chomping at the bit for the start of the 2017-18 season.
"I've been waiting since March to really get started with this group. This is a fantastic group of girls that I love to be around," Yourkovich, the winningest coach in program history, said. "They all have great personalities, are respectful and are just fun to be around. To this point, they have been absolutely great to be around each and every day.
"We have three returning starters who were responsible for a lot of our scoring last season. There is a good nucleus of experienced players and young blood that have created good competition in the preseason. The older girls have been great in terms of teaching the newcomers our way of doing things and our system."
Graduation claimed Morgan Carter, Madison Doty, Alexia Dowdle, Rachel Morrison, Megan Stackhouse, Alexis Yoho and Ashley Mencer from last year's 10-13 squad.
"Varsity experience after our three returnees is going to be a concern, as is overall depth. As a staff, we will need to bring along our younger girls at a rapid pace in order for us to be as successful as we can possibly be," Yourkovich said. "A huge key for us is going to be our defensive effort and intensity. The girls need to put forth maximum effort on this end of the floor, execute within our rules and assignments, and finish possessions. I believe we will be able to score, but my concern is making defense a priority."
A trio of battle-tested seniors will provide experience and leadership this season.
Alex Wiley is a 5-5 point guard. She recently signed a National Letter of Intent to continue her career at Wheeling Jesuit University next year.
"Alex has taken the reigns of this team and has proven to be a great leader for the rest of the girls. She has dedicated a ton of time in the gym to improve her game and we are going to rely on her to be one of our major threats offensively," Yourkovich said. "Alex has great floor vision and is constantly looking for open teammates."
Abby Dowdle is a solid 5-4 two-guard.
Hannah Mattern rounds out the senior class. She is a rugged 5-5 wing.
The Huskies boast a strong and deep junior class, numbering five total, with two letterwinners.
Sydney Starr is a 5-9 letter-winning forward.
"Syd really became a great weapon for us last year in the post. She has matured both mentally and physically in the offseason," Yourkovich said. "I believe people are going to see the great potential that she has as a basketball player this season. We are going to lean on her inside presence a lot."
Asia Muckle is the other letterman. She is a 5-6 wing.
Jara Madzia is a 5-6 wing.
Lexee McAfee is another junior who is bidding for regular duty. She is a deft-shooting 5-4 guard.
"Lex is our sharpshooter and one of the smarter defenders we have on this team. She has put a lot of time into her shot, and it is really showing this preseason. She will definitely surprise some people at the varsity level this year," Yourkovich offered.
Marina Miller rounds out the class. The 5-5 guard is working her way back from ACL injury last year.
One sophomore will grace the Huskies' varsity roster. Lexi Carter is a promising 5-5 guard.
"Lex can play either guard spot. She has a great work ethic and is very coachable. Lex has worked a great deal on her outside jump shot," Yourkovich said.
Two freshmen will sport varsity uniforms: Britton Positano and Audrey Corder. Positano is a 5-5 guard while Corder is a 5-7 forward.
"Britton knows the game and has a knack offensively to get open and get to the basket. She is very aggressive and doesn't take a back seat to anyone," Yourkovich said.
"Audrey is very talented and athletic. She has a great motor and picks up things instantaneously," Yourkovich noted.
Yourkovich is supported by a solid staff. Former Huskies standout Madison Richards is the jayvee coach while Mike Angelozzi is the varsity assistant.
Nov. 27: Indian Creek 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 30: Bellaire 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 4: at St. Clairsville 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 7: Union Local 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 9: at Brooke noon
Dec. 14: at Martins Ferry 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 18: at Bellaire 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 21: St. Clairsville 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 27: at Steubenville 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 4: at Union Local 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 6: at East Liverpool 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 11: Martins Ferry 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 15: Weir 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 18: Steubenville 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 20: Beaver Local 1 p.m.
Jan. 22: at Edison 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 25: at Buckeye Local 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 27: Buckeye 8 TBA
Jan. 29: Brooke 7:30 p.m.