Union Local Looking For Repeat Trip To Ohio Division III State Tournament

MORRISTOWN -- The Union Local girls basketball team soared to new heights last season.

With several key pieces back from a squad that didn't see its season end until it fell to eventual state champion Cincinnati Purcell Marian in the Division III state semifinals, the Jets appear primed for another memorable season.

However, veteran head coach Scooter Tolzda, who is embarking on his second season with the Jets, knows that nothing is a given, regardless of who or how much talent returns.

"I've talked to other coaches and I noticed it when I was at Meadowbrook, the year after making the state tournament is the hardest year," Tolzda said. "I am not sure why that is, but it happens. I will say I've not noticed any complacency or anything like that from this group. This group feels a little bit different than my team at Meadowbrook. The kids realize last year is over with and we're back at square one with something to prove."

The Jets finished last season at 25-4, winning the school's first district and regional title along the way. They also claimed the Buckeye 8 and OVAC Class 4A crowns. They lost starters Hannah Merritt and Keira Gregor as well as Alleigh Cheatham.

"We improved throughout the season in all facets," Tolzda said. "I've continued to see growth from our returning players."

The Jets certainly didn't rest on their accolades in their summer work. Taking part in several shootouts and leagues, the Jets got after it.

"I thought the kids had a really good summer and did more than what we expected," Tolzda said.

"By the end of the summer, I looked at us and really liked what I saw. I thought we were headed in the right direction."

The Jets, who opened last Friday in an event at Warren Local, had only two weeks in the preseason will their entire roster because of the extended volleyball season that stretched to the second week of November when they made the Division II state tournament.

"We are probably three weeks behind," Tolzda admitted. "I think I counted 22 practices we had without those (volleyball players). But, it is what it is. We're not going to duck any games. We were going to play them."

The Jets' calling card last season was the work they did on the defensive end. They mixed defenses effectively and used their size and length advantage quite well. Tolzda indicated that will be the approach once again.

"Defense is what we've been selling," Tolzda offered. "We want to get after people defensively. We may not have our basketball legs fully until around Christmas or so, but I think we're talented enough to get by. At least, we hope we are. Even if we take a hit early in the year, you're playing for the end, so hopefully the girls continue to grow and improve, and I think they can."

The Jets return one of the Ohio Valley's premier duos in seniors Torre Kildow and Reagan Vinskovich.

Both put forth All-Ohio campaigns last season. Kildow earned First Team All-Ohio after averaging 18.3 points a game and scoring 532 points for the season. She sits at 1,317 points for her career.

"We went to the Huggins camp and there were over 60 teams there and we played without Reagan, and I thought Torre was the best player there," Tolzda said. "We know Torre will be Torre."

Vinskovich, meanwhile, is coming off a season in which she averaged 16.3 points and a shade over 10 rebounds a night. She's scored 1,451 points in her career and will continue her playing career at West Liberty next season.

"Reagan has really worked hard in the offseason," Tolzda said. "She's improved her footwork, her shot and her conditioning. I think after she committed to West Liberty, she's really relaxed a little bit and has added to her game. She can shoot the ball more."

Senior Emily Kellaway is back for her second season as the Jets point guard. She scored just under four points a game last winter, but turned in relentless defense and was a floor general.

"Emmy loves the game and has gotten better and better," Tolzda said. "She's better this year than she was last year."

Junior Lauren Miller will take on an expanded role this winter. She was the Jets' sixth person last season and averaged almost five points a game. Tolzda expects her numbers to climb significantly.

"Lauren has really improved," Tolzda said.

"She's really worked hard and she's a better player. She's playing with a lot more confidence, too."

Freshman Laken Vinskovich is expected to crack the starting lineup and give the Jets a third player who stands at least 5-10.

"You can see a lot of potential in Laken," Tolzda said. "She's going to be a good one and she does some really good things right now. She's long and plays bigger than she is."

Off the bench, the Jets plan to utilize sophomore Teegan Day, who transferred from Philo, and sophomore Ella Pietranton, who Tolzda also spoke quite highly of.

Also vying for minutes are freshmen Alli Kellaway, Delaney Butler and Myah Martin.

Ticketed for jayvee duty are sophomore Cori King, freshmen Kylee Stidd, Kayleigh Unroe and Camryn Uscio.

The Jets will once again face a challenging schedule. On top of opening against Division I foe Logan, they'll host Wheeling Park and defending West Virginia Class A state champion Cameron. They'll also host Fort Frye.

"We challenged ourselves as best we could with our schedule," Tolzda said.

Tolzda's coaching staff once again includes: Nick Nardo, Alli DeLaney and Nicole Smolenak.