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By KIM NORTH
HANNIBAL -- Rick Isaly was quick and to the point when asked how his River girls' basketball team was going to be this season.
"I really don't know. I had the worst summer that I've had since I've been here," he said. "We didn't do very well but I couldn't get enough girls to show up most of the time."
River doesn't have a senior on its roster, but Isaly said the overall numbers are up to 17. The Pilots had only one senior last season and that was Bailey Caldwell, who had a solid final campaign and was an adept 3-point shooter.
One player that River needs to be full strength is junior point guard Lauren Flannery. The 5-foot-5 dandy averaged around 20 points a game last season in earning all-OVAC, all-Eastern District and second team all-state honors.
"Lauren is our leader and has been since her freshman year," Isaly said of his two-year ace.
Carsyn Reynolds, a 5-8 junior who lettered as a sophomore, is been bitten by the injury bug twice thus far in her high school career.
Riley Lollathin is a 5-4 junior who has earned two letters.
Livi Rose is a 5-5 junior that played a role last year off the bench.
"She can knock down some outside shots and hit a couple of big ones against Malvern last year," Isaly recalled. "She's a good passer and we are working on their defense."
Candace Caldwell is a 5-6 junior letterman.
"She's a wing player for us and can knock down the outside shot," he said. "She's the one that we went to last year when we needed a three-point shot. She's worked hard all summer."
Three others are being counted on for some big things this year. They are 5-10 sophomore Alli Long, 5-4 junior Hannah Straub and 5-9 Makenzie Cieszewski.
"Alli started every game for us last year," Isaly said. "She is a double-double as she averaged 10 points and 10 rebounds a game last season. She goes to the boards hard and can score around the basket. She's a hustler and a competitor.
"Hannah didn't play last year after tearing up her knee in the summer, but she has been working very hard to get stronger and she has looked good so far."
Isaly is assisted by Dean Caldwell. Jay Harlin is a volunteer assistant.
Nov. 25: Monroe Central 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 30: at Bridgeport 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 2: Bellaire noon
Dec. 7: Linsly 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 11: at Parkersburg South 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 14: Frontier 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 16: Magnollia 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 21: at Fort Frye 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 23: at Wheeling Central noon
Dec. 30: at Monroe Central 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 4: Bridgeport 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 8: at Magnolia 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 10: Wheeling Central 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 13: Johnstown Monroe* 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 15: Shadyside 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 18: Parkersburg South 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 20: at Bellaire 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 22: at Shadyside 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 25: at Linsly 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 29: at Frontier 7:30 p.m.
* Route 40 Classic