Some things
never change

Everybody's back for Canton's
20-3 girls basketball contingent

BY ED WRIGHT
Nov. 24, 2009, 1:30 a.m.

  Canton's girls basketball team is adding a unique new element to its 2009-10 game plan: seniors.

  Coach Brian Samulski's senior-less contingent rolled to a 20-3 record last winter, racking up a Kensington Lakes Activities Association Kensington Conference championship and a Division 1 District title.

  This year, with four seniors and everyone back from last season's trophy-laden campaign, the Chiefs will be the team to beat in the KLAA -- and beyond.

  But Samulski knows nothing is going to come easy.

  "We have high expectations this season, but we also realize that we have to come in and get better each day if we want to reach those expectations," said Samulski.

  "It's nice that everybody's back from last year's successful team, but I think the girls understand that  this is a new season, a fresh beginning, and  they're going to have to work hard every day."

  The Chiefs will forgo naming captains this season for a good reason.

  "Everybody on this team is a leader," said Alyssa Cottrell, one of the team's four 12th-graders. "No matter what the situation is, everybody on this team feels they can step up and do the job."

  "We know we have to come out strong every game this year," added senior Lindsay Winters. "The other teams are going to know who we are this year. They're all going to be up when they play us."

  The Chiefs aren't flashy and they won't dazzle you with their shooting.

  But few groups work harder.

  "Everybody on this team is a competitor," said Cottrell. "Every one of us is ready to give 100 percent and to do whatever it takes to make the next play."

  "We're all going to have an off-day once in a while shooting," said Winters, "but that just means we'll work harder at everything else."

  Cottrell epitomizes the Chiefs' hit-the-floor-for-every-loose ball mentality, Samulski said.

  "Alyssa brings a tremendous amount of energy to the team," said Samulski. "She's already a great defensive player, and she worked hard during the summer on her offensive skills."

  Along with above-average guarding skills, Winters can nail the long jumper when the need arises.

  "Lindsay brings an aspect of scoring from the perimeter," Samulski said. "She can shoot."

  Canton's other two seniors are guards Kelly Larimore and Yuki Krolicki. Larimore will sit out the entire season due to an injury.

  "Kelly is still going to be a big part of the team," said Samulski. "She will help us leadership-wise. She's going to be at practice every day, so she'll play an important role.

  "Yuki is very quick and she can put great pressure on the ball. Offensively, she has the ability to get in the lane, create and find people."

  Junior twin sisters Kari and Sara Schmitt were phenomenal in the paint last season at both ends of the court. Kari Schmitt led the team in scoring and rebounding and Sara wasn't far behind.

  "They both had tremendous sophomore years, now they're ready to build on that," said Samulski. "They both worked hard on their perimeter shooting skills this summer."

  The Chiefs' back court will be manned by junior Melanie Pickert and sophomore Robyn Mack.

  "The ball will be in Pick's and Mack's hands the majority of the time," Samulski assured. "Pick is a great competitor, she works hard, she does a good job of finding the open player and she's an excellent leader.

  "Robyn's vision is unbelievable. She sees everything on the court. She makes things a lot easier for her teammates with her passing ability."

  One of the Chiefs' top offensive threats is junior forward CarolAnn Sexauer, who has added another dimension to her offensive skill set, Samulski revealed.

  "CarolAnn has always been able to score from the perimeter," he said. "Now she's at the point where she is getting by people and scoring around the rim."

  Three-year varsity player Kayla Bridges, a junior, gives the Chiefs an explosive inside presence and is one of the team's most tenacious rebounders.

  Sophomore Jessie Larner will begin the season practicing with the varsity squad but playing mostly for the junior varsity.

  Canton's early-season, non-league schedule is so difficult, it looks like it was drawn up by Tom Izzo. Canton opens Dec. 1 against Saline before taking on Birmingham Marian, Farmington Hills Mercy and Detroit Renaissance.

  "Every game is going to be competitive," said Samulski. "We're going to have to come to play every night."

  Ed Wright can be reached at (734) 453-1980 or [email protected].