SHAWNEE HEIGHTS GIRLS Champion spikers ready to hit hardwood

By KEN CLARK

The Capital-Journal

Returning seven veterans to the court this year, four of whom also played on the Shawnee Heights championship volleyball team, is definitely making T-Birds coach Pat Buchanan smile.

The T-Birds finished the volleyball season 42-1, defeating Goddard in the final match to claim the state 5A volleyball title.

"We hope that their success is contagious and will have a positive effect on the basketball team," Buchanan said. The four volleyball players returning to the team are Dani McHenry, Abby Martin, Carrie Edmonds and Maggie Diehl.

Even so, Buchanan knows that his team is competing in a tough league and it's going to take more than the mere taste of success to make success happen. The T-Birds open their season this Friday against Topeka High.

"This will be a good game and I'm looking forward to it," he said. "The Centennial League is a tough league and every game will be a good game. But we're going to be playing more games at home this year and that's going to be a plus for us." Buchanan was referring to the destruction of the gym floor by vandals two years ago, forcing the T- Birds to play their home games on the road.

"Being able to play our home games on our own court is something I'm looking forward to. It doesn't help your game to be playing on the road in unfamiliar surroundings," he said.

Overall, Buchanan is pleased with his preseason preparation and the work of his players, both veterans and younger players on the team.

"We're getting close and I'm satisfied with what we're doing so far. I'm pretty happy with our offense and defense at this point," he said.

Coming off a successful 15-8 season last year, the T-Birds are no strangers to winning. Experienced starters and solid bench strength are pluses for Heights.

"Abbey Martin, Rachel Bacon and Lexi Townsend will be adding some quickness to our defense. Carrie Edmonds and Laura Biery will be adding some needed relief off the bench," Buchanan said.

The T-Birds will be relying heavily on their speed, inside scoring and defense, and down-playing their lack of experience at guard and their inability to consistently make the outside shot.

"We're going to have to play a little bit more up tempo, and force some plays and try to get some easy baskets," Buchanan said.

Returning letterwinners include 6-1 senior post Maggie Diehl, 5-6 senior guard Bryanne Albert, 6-foot forward Kerri Wessel, 5-5 guard Sarah Meissner, 6-foot forward Dani McHenry, 5-11 forward Abbey Martin and 5-7 guard Emily Smith.

Other players who will be contributing playing time include 5-7 guard Carrie Edmonds, 5-7 guard Laura Biery, 5-8 guard/forward Lexi Townsend, 6-foot post Andrea Moomaw and 5-7 guard/forward Rachel Bacon.

"We got some younger players , and some sophomore guards that are doing quite well, Buchanan said."

T-Birds

Coach --- Pat Buchanan (5th season).

1998-99 record --- 15-8 overall, 7-3 in Centennial League.

Returning starters --- Maggie Diehl, sr., center; Bryanne Albert, sr., guard; Dani McHenry, jr., 6-0.

SCHEDULE

December --- 2 at Topeka High, 9 Lawrence, 14 at Emporia, 17 Highland Park.

January --- 4 Junction City, 7 at Hayden, 11 Manhattan, 14 Seaman, 17-19 Capital Classic at Seaman, 24 Olathe East, 28 at Washburn Rural.

February --- 1 at Wamego, 4 Emporia, 5 at Lawrence-Free State, 7 at Topeka West, 11 at Highland Park, 15 Hayden, 18 at Seaman, 25 Washburn Rural.

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