By RICHIE HALL
Reporter Sports Editor
Sheridan fans have gotten very familiar with the Blackhawks’ girls basketball players over the past few years.
That’s the case again as the team began its 2017-18 season Tuesday night. All of the varsity players on the Sheridan roster that was handed out at the Blackhawks’ 92-11 win over Indianapolis Lighthouse Charter East are juniors and seniors.
Sheridan coach Jeff Guenther said his team returns “an experienced lineup” for this season. That includes Audrey Reed, a three-year starter who has been a star for the ‘Hawks since she was a freshman.
The 6-foot Reed played like a senior should, scoring 33 points in Sheridan’s opener. Reed reached double-double territory with 11 rebounds, and also made 11 of 12 free throw attempts.
“I liked the fact that Reed was 11 of 12 from the line,” said Guenther after the game. “That’s what she needs to do, she needs to get to the line.”
After Reed, there are three two-year starters on the roster. Senior Nixon Williams and juniors Jillian O’Flaherty and Heather Barker. All three played well: Barker scored 11 points and pulled five rebounds, Williams made seven steals and scored six points, while O’Flaherty made four steals.
Guenther noted that depth may be a strength for Sheridan this year. Positions five through eight on the Blackhawks team will be filled by players with plenty of varsity minutes: Seniors Emma Tomaszewski and Izzy Mangin and juniors Lilli Barker and Holly Barker.
The ‘Hawks led 50-6 at halftime. The junior varsity played most of the second half, including three freshmen. The ninth-graders played well, with Allie Delph scoring 10 points.
“I thought the freshman kids came in and were very competitive, very enthusiastic, played really well,” said Guenther. “We expect that freshman group to be a pretty good group for us.”
Becca Merritt, a 5-11 sophomore JV player, had six rebounds. Other junior varsity players for Sheridan this year include freshman Katy Crail and juniors Lillie Dickerson and Payge Petro. Olivia Raines, another junior, will split time between varsity and JV.
The Blackhawks will jump right into Hoosier Heartland Conference play for their second game, traveling to Eastern on Saturday.
“Eastern’s pretty solid,” said Guenther. “I’d have to say that they’re one of the top teams in the conference, so it’s going to be a real test.”
Sheridan’s Izzy Mangin takes the ball down the court during the Blackhawks’ season opener Tuesday at Hobbs Hall. Sheridan beat Indianapolis Lighthouse East 92-11. (Richie Hall)