Summer work has Guilford excited

Guilford’s tallest player, 5-foot-10 junior Stephanie House, plays small forward. She played point guard during summer AAU ball. She’s played varsity since she was a freshman.

Coach Bianca Clendening thinks House could be the Vikings’ best player, but she’s reserving judgment until she sees all the Vikings in action this winter.

But she’s hopeful because of what they did this summer.

Five of the Vikings played AAU this summer, while the rest played in a pair of summer leagues and played in a tournament at Illinois Valley Community College. Guilford’s summer camp attracted more than 70 girls this year, triple last year’s numbers.

“Everything is taking a turnabout,” Clendening said. “It’s not going to be as hard for us as last season. A lot of girls are extremely motivated. We want to finish in the top half of the league, and we are bound and determined to get there.”

Guilford has never finished higher than tied for third in the conference (10-6 in 2003) since finishing second at 6-2 in the first-ever season of IHSA girls basketball 32 years ago, and has gone 6-42 in the NIC-10 the last three years. But three returning starters, improved play in the post and more year-round work has the Vikings feeling hopeful.

“Our strong point is our shooting guards and post play,” Clendening said. “I can put any of my post people in at any time and not be worried. They are not tall, but they are strong. They can go body-to-body with anybody at any time.”

-- Matt Trowbridge, rrstar.com

Vikings at a glance
Coach: Bianca Clendening (2nd year, 5-20).
Last season: 5-20 (2-14).
Returning starters: Seniors Tasia Hughes and Chan’tey Mack and junior Stephanie House.
Other key players: Senior Tasia Hughes and juniors Jennae Robinson, Fonashay Potter and Erica Smith.
Strengths: Versatility and depth.
Weaknesses: Lack of height and experience.
Outlook: The Vikings, 19-77 in the conference the last six years, could equal their high-water mark of five conference wins since they were 10-6 in 2003. With only three seniors on the roster, next year should be even better.