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By BUBBA KAPRAL
CADIZ -- Nick Yourkovich has built a rock-solid program in his seven years at the Harrison Central helm. During that time, his Huskies have OVAC and sectional titles on their resume.
Despite the loss of three talented hoopsters via graduation, don't look for an end to the winning ways Yourkovich has ingrained. Picking up their diplomas last May following outstanding careers with the Lady Huskies were Paige Richards, D.J. Keesey and Shianne Nameth. Keesey is continuing her academic and hoop careers at Bluffton University.
"I think we are going to be very balanced offensively, with everyone on the floor being a threat. We will be able to play with a variety of different lineups without any drop-off in talent," Yourkovich said. "We don't have the numbers we have had in the past, but that has led to some very competitive practices. The girls have really been getting after it, and they continue to make each other better almost every day."
While his overall numbers may be down, the former Martins Ferry High athletic standout has quantity and quality in his senior class, which counts seven strong.
"All seven are vying for starting spots," Yourkovich noted. "All seven are in the top of our rotation."
The seniors include Morgan Carter, Madison Doty, Alexia Dowdle, Rachel Morrison, Megan Stackhouse, Alexis Yoho and Ashley Mencer.
Yoho brings talent and experience to the Lady Huskies' backcourt. The 5-4 dandy has started all three years.
"Alexis has the chance to be a four-year starter for us. She is tenacious defensively and will have the chore of guarding the opponent's best player on most nights, "Yourkovich said. "This is a role she has accepted without hesitation. She has also worked to become more consistent offensively."
Carter is a 5-5 point guard.
"Morgan has developed into one of our better offensive players. She has battled injuries in the past, but has really put that behind her," Yourkovich said. "She has dedicated herself to being a better all-around basketball player. I have been real impressed with her thus far in the preseason."
Dowdle is a 5-5 defensive force in the backcourt.
"Alexia is one of our more experienced players. She is lightning-quick and puts a lot of pressure on the defense in transition," Yourkovich said. "She has worked to become more consistent with her jump shot, and will be one of our better defenders."
Doty is a 5-7 forward-guard.
"Maddy is our most athletic player, one of the most athletic people in the school. Her mental approach to this season has been great," Yourkovich said. "She's aggressive on the offensive end and has really gotten after it defensively. She has the potential to be one of the better two-way players I've had here."
Stackhouse is a hard-working 5-6 forward.
"Megan has developed into one of the vocal leaders of this team. Her hustle and work ethic has been a great example for all of our players. We are relying on Megan to be a very good defensive presence, strong rebounder and a threat offensively," Yourkovich said.
Mencer is a 5-6 forward who has raised the level of her play over the course of the last year.
Morrison, a 5-7 forward, will provide the Lady Huskies with an inside presence.
An eighth senior -- Hannah Warrington -- has been sidelined for the season due to a back injury.
Supporting the large senior group is a pair of talented juniors.
Alex Wiley is a 5-5 point guard battling for a starting spot while Abby Dowdle is a 5-4 shooting guard.
A third junior -- Hannah Mattern -- is out for the season due to a back injury.
The future looks bright as the Harrison Central roster features five sophomores.
Asia Muckle is a 5-6 guard who is in the mix for varsity time.
The balance of the class includes 5-6 guard-forward Jara Madzia, 5-9 forward Sydney Starr, 5-4 guard Lexee McAfee and 5-5 guard-forward Marina Miller.
"These girls will make up our reserve team and push the older girls for time. Jara is an athletic wing player who is coming off an ACL surgery, causing her to miss all of last year. She is still learning the system, but is aggressive and willing to learn," Yourkovich stated. "Sydney is also coming off an injury last year which caused her to miss the entire season. Lexee is one of our better shooters and is learning to be more aggressive. Marina is the only player we have that can play all 5 positions. She has a great basketball IQ and will be a very versatile player for us."
Freshman Lexi Carter -- a 5-5 guard -- rounds out the roster. Classmate Kobey Johnson is out for the year with a knee injury."
Harrison Central opens it season Monday at Indian Creek.
"We have a lot of interchangeable parts, players that can play multiple positions. I think this is going to be a huge benefit to us. They seem to enjoy being around each other, which has led to some good chemistry," Yourkovich offered. "This has been a real fun group to be around, to this point. I am excited to see how we navigate this season, and what we look like at the end. I think it will surprise some people. Our goals have not changed from the past."
Yourkovich's varsity staff includes John Visser and former Lady Huskies' standout Madison Richards.