Optimism is high in Kirtland as the 2024-2025 season quickly approaches and for good reason.
The Hornets return five starters and six others with varsity experience for third-year head coach Matt Ridgeway.
“These girls have been with me since third-grade travel basketball. We really want to enjoy every day we are together because we know there is an end to this chapter,” Ridgeway said. “Our seniors have already been communicating with each other on what they expect from each other once the season begins. We want to make this a great experience, and with this kind of leadership, we have that potential.”
Kirtland finished last season 12-11 overall and 5-5 in the Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division.
With the bulk of their roster back, the Hornets have the potential to compete for the conference title and more.
One of the Hornets’ biggest challenges is getting everyone on the same page after long girls’ soccer and cross country seasons.
“We haven’t had a full squad yet due to our great success in cross country and soccer and once we add those kids, we will be able to evaluate,” Ridgeway said. “We had a good summer, so we have an idea of what to expect.”
With a class of seven seniors, including four who will start, the Hornets have plenty of options to provide senior leadership to the younger players on the squad.
Kristiana Katic, a 5-foot-11 forward, is a returning starter who earned first-team All-CVC, second-team all-district, and honorable mention All-Ohio honors last season.
She averaged 11.5 points per game.
“Kristiana maximizes her production while on the floor,” Ridgeway said. “Kristiana works extremely hard and is ultra-competitive. It is exciting to watch her play because of those intangible qualities. We are excited to see what Kristiana can do for our team.”
Emily Ridgeway, a 5-foot-11 guard, returns to the starting lineup after averaging 10 points per game last season on the way to earning first-team all-conference and honorable mention all-district honors as a junior.
“Emily’s leadership and production will be relied upon heavily to lead this team as she enters her final year,” Coach Ridgeway said. “Emily loves the game, works on her game, and can play any
position on the floor.”
Addison Fleming is a 5-foot-9 guard who averaged 2.0 points per game last season as a starter.
“Addi is competitive, a good ball handler, and a great defender,” Coach Ridgeway said. “We are excited to watch her play this year. Addi has worked hard on her shot in the offseason, which will really help out our team becoming more dynamic.”
Kennedy Boyd is a 5-foot-7 guard who averaged 3.0 points per game on her way to earning honorable mention all-conference honors.
“Kennedy is extremely athletic, fast, and an amazing defender,” Ridgeway said. “Kennedy can bring the passion that is infectious to the rest of the team. Every good team has a player like that and that is Kennedy’s gift. Kennedy’s leadership and infectious enthusiasm can really determine what kind of night we may have.”
Junior Lauren Palagyi, a 5-foot-11 forward, is the lone underclassman in Kirtland’s projected starting lineup.
She averaged 3.0 points per contest last season as a starter and earned honorable mention all-conference honors.
“Lauren is an excellent defender, and team player, and has a drive that does not go unnoticed,” Ridgeway said. “Lauren puts time into her game outside of practice time, so her leadership is infectious as well. Lauren will be a huge part of our success this season.”
Kirtland’s other seniors include Chlose Hansen, Clare Davidson, and Annie Hansen.
Davidson suffered a knee injury during soccer season and Annie Hansen will provide depth for the Hornets. Chloe Hansen is a 6-foot-2 center who will create some mismatches under the basket.
“Chloe was voted our most improved player in the program last season,” Ridgeway said. “Chloe had a few varsity minutes last year but not many. Chloe is long, determined, and a force in the paint. We are so excited to see the outcome of her efforts over the past few months.”
Ridgeway also will lean on a pair of sophomores and a freshman to contribute this winter.
Sophomore Anna Dumstorff, a 5-foot-5 guard, averaged three points per game off the bench last season.
“Anna played a role last year in the minutes she received at the varsity level,” Ridgeway said. “Anna can stretch the floor and can anticipate well. Anna will be a huge piece to the puzzle and fits in nicely to complement our size on the inside.”
Sophomore Karli DiFranco is a 5-foot-9 guard.
“Karli is athletic, long, and competitive,” Ridgeway said. “Karli showed us a few things this summer in which we would like to build upon. Along with Anna, Karli fits into what we are looking for. They make a nice one-two punch for being sophomores.”
Freshman Kyle Sayle is a 5-foot-9 guard.
“Kylie Sayle doesn’t know her potential yet but we are hoping to maximize what we think she can become,” Ridgeway said. “Kylie can run, compete, and has wits. We are excited to see what Kylie can add to our team.”
With a talented and experienced lineup, the Hornets are in a good spot as they kick off the new season.
“We plan to use the athletes that we have and try to put them in successful spots on the floor,” Ridgeway said. “Many of these kids play volleyball, soccer, football, cross country, flag football, track, or lacrosse, so they know what it takes to compete. Our strength is in our numbers and unselfish play.”
The Hornets will be challenged early and often with a grueling schedule. Ridgeway hopes the success his players enjoyed in the fall will carry over to the basketball court.
“We play some really good teams, especially early on,” Ridgeway said. “All of these kids had success in their fall sports, so we have a little bit of a late start from a team perspective. We will have to rely on our experience, leadership, and will. Once our skill catches up with us, we have the potential to have success.”
