SLC two-time defending champs won’t become complacent
By Tim Wester
Sports Correspondent
Overconfidence will not be an issue for the Union Grove girls basketball team.
At least not on coach Rob Domagalski’s watch.
The veteran coach is making it a top priority to ensure no player loses focus as the Broncos strive for a third consecutive Southern Lakes Conference championship.
Avoiding complacency is vital for the Broncos, who return four starters from last year’s team that was a basket away from advancing to the state tournament for the first time in school history.
“Last year we got into games and felt confident, which was good,” Domagalski said. “But as a coach I have to continue to motivate them so they don’t get too confident and slip and lose. The team needs to understand that every team is trying to win, and no game will be easy.”
The Broncos certainly won’t make it easy on their opponents, either.
Senior forward Janelle Shiffler and junior guard Brooklyn Bull are two conference player of the year candidates that will lead the Broncos’ attack.
Last season, Bull narrowly missed a runner in the final seconds of the Broncos’ sectional final overtime game against Stoughton that would have given the Grove its first state tournament berth in school history.
“Our kids are motivated for this season and confident that they can do well following last season’s run,” Domagalski said.
The frontcourt, meanwhile, will be anchored by Shiffler, who recently signed a letter of intent to play basketball at NCAA Division 2 Augustana (SD). The senior averaged 12.7 and 6.3 rebounds last season for the Broncos.
“Janelle is a prime example of what hard work does, earning the scholarship to a Division 2 school,” Domagalski said. “And Brooklyn is a dynamic scorer who averaged 14 points a game as a sophomore last year.”
Senior forward Jenna Rainey and junior guard Alyssa Kus are also returning starters that made key contributions last season.
Rainey brings a rugged blue-collar style of play that helped the team win a key road game at Wilmot last season, while Kus is one of the primary ball handlers and clutch shooters on the team.
Rainey and Kus will be asked to do even more as the Broncos figure out how to replace four-year starter and all-conference performer Frankie Pettit.
“Chemistry matters most, and we’re still working on that,” Domagalski said. “Everyone is a year older and players will have different roles this season.”
Senior Sam Boettcher and junior Jackie Bianchi should get increased minutes in Domagalski’s rotation, while freshmen guards Peyton Killberg and Megan Barber and sophomore guard Daphne Sieg will also see time on the court.
Killberg didn’t show any intimidation in her first varsity game, scoring 11 points in the Broncos 64-34 victory over Shoreland Lutheran Friday Nov. 18.
“Peyton fits our system well,” Domagalski said. We saw Peyton and Megan this past summer and were impressed by what they could do. These talented young players certainly show that our program should continue to be tough in the next few years.”
The deep and experienced Broncos should be tested more often in what is expected to be an improved Southern Lakes Conference.
“Our conference as a whole is better,” Domagalski said. “Waterford has eight letter-winners back and Burlington has four seniors returning, plus Lake Geneva Badger is improved and Wilmot is always good. It’s going to be much more difficult to pull away from teams this season.”
The Broncos certainly have the talent and experience to meet the new challenges.
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