By Dana Ehrmann
Sports Correspondent
Think of the girls Catholic Central basketball team as a puzzle.
For the past few seasons, it was difficult to see the bigger picture.
Two years ago, without any seniors in the program, the Lady Toppers finished at 0-22.
One year ago, they improved to 4-19 overall, but remained winless against Metro Classic Conference opponents.
But the team, with head coach Suzy Bittmann and assistant coaches Aimee Reyzer and Becki Heinen, is not putting those struggles completely behind them – they’re learning from them.
Now this year, Catholic Central will boast a more experienced starting five and a fresh bench, each player a key piece to a puzzle that now has a clearer, fuller picture.
Team captains for the Lady Toppers are seniors Laura Klein and Abbey Robers. Coach Bittman notes Klein’s deft rebounding ability (8.6 per game last season) and work ethic, and Robers’ strong leadership.
Junior Bridget Bittman looks to be one of the squad’s top returners for her ability to make plays both offensively and defensively.
She averaged 10.3 points per game a season ago as well as 1.7 steals.
Junior Jaclyn Kordus and sophomore Emily Swanson round out the starters, with senior Kacie Snyder and sophomore Mikelle Miles also expected to be key contributors. Miles brings height (5’11”) to the court not seen on the squad in years.
The team’s puzzle has come together early in the season. In Catholic Central’s two games so far, all 13 players in the program have gotten in on the action and posted a stat.
Facing off against University School on November 20, the Lady Toppers toppled their opponents 57-33 behind Laura Klein’s 20 points and 10 rebounds, and freshman Elizabeth Klein’s seven steals.
Then on November 24, Catholic Central beat Faith Christian 50-12 with several players posting high stats in scoring, rebounding and assisting.
While these games have shown Coach Bittmann encouraging trends, they’ve also shown her what needs to be focused on. But the real test of their progress, above all, is how Catholic Central can compete within the conference.
The coach acknowledges the solid talent in the Metro Classic this year, especially that of Kenosha St. Joseph’s. But she still expects a good showing from her squad, despite being the smallest school in the conference.
“This group of girls sees the benefit of sticking together and working for each other and working as one unit. We will have highs and lows, but we expect to maintain focus and persevere,” Coach Bittman says.
“We’ll see where it takes us. So far, I am impressed with how well our players are sharing the ball and competing as a team.”
The girls lost their conference opener Dec. 4 to Racine St. Cat’s, 47-35.
Junior Bridget Bittman led the way with 10 points, while senior Laura Klein added 12 rebounds.
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