The Wickliffe Blue Devils girls’ basketball team enters the 2025 season with energy, athleticism, and a hunger to compete in one of the toughest leagues in the area.
Head coach Jason Moulton, now in his fourth season at the helm, has built a foundation centered on effort, defense, and speed—and this year’s team looks ready to take another step forward.
“Heading into this season, we have been extremely happy with our energy and effort as a team,” Moulton said. “We are ahead of schedule with our installs and are working hard every day to get better.”
The Blue Devils finished 12-12 overall and 1-7 in the Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division last winter, but with three returning starters and two other varsity veterans, Wickliffe boasts both experience and promise. Their identity will once again revolve around relentless defense and transition play.
“Our strength will be our athleticism,” Moulton said. “Our goal is to be a great defensive team and get out and run as much as possible.”
Moulton knows the season won’t come without its challenges.
“Our challenges this season will be our overall depth and health,” he said. “We look to play about seven in the rotation. When we deal with injuries or foul trouble, we are going to have to trust our core to be able to play a ton of minutes without getting much of a break. The group we have is tough and extremely competitive. We believe they are built for anything that is thrown at them.”
Senior Amanda Peklay returns for her fourth varsity season and third as a starter, serving as the heartbeat of the team.
“Amanda is a three-year starter and four-year varsity player,” Moulton said. “Heading into her senior year, we have relied on her to be a leader on and off the court. This year, we have asked her to lead the offense, whether that be passing or scoring. She has set the tone on the defensive end, and we look forward to seeing her lead our team this year.”
Joining her in the backcourt is junior Jess Adams, a versatile guard ready to step into a bigger role.
“Jess is someone who got valuable minutes for us last year, and we are expecting her to take a bigger role in this season,” Moulton said. “Jess is a very good athlete who can shoot and drive the ball. She has grown as a defender over the last couple of years and is constantly working on her game.”
Sophomore Taylor Little is back after an impressive freshman campaign.
“Taylor started as a freshman for us last season because of her talent and length,” Moulton said. “Taylor is a confident scorer and is never afraid to take the next shot. Defensively, she uses her length to get in the lanes and causes a ton of turnovers. This year, she has become more confident in her game, and we look forward to her having a breakout sophomore season for us.”
In the paint, junior Sophia Ervin provides toughness and rim protection.
“Sophia is extremely talented and is only going to get better as the season goes along,” Moulton said. “Defensively, she is able to guard on the perimeter, but she is best at disrupting shots at the rim and snatching the rebound after. Offensively, she has great touch around the rim and can hit those elbow jump shots when they are given to her.”
Junior Becca Leone, in just her second year of basketball, rounds out the projected starting five.
“This is Becca’s second year ever playing basketball, but we are glad she came out last year,” Moulton said. “She is a good athlete and a smart defender. Offensively, she takes care of the ball and is learning not to be afraid to take a shot. We are looking forward to her growth as a player throughout the year.”
The Blue Devils’ rotation includes several impact players off the bench.
Senior Tiana Torrence brings spark and intensity.
“Tiana is a great athlete who picked up basketball last year,” Moulton said. “By the end of the season, she was a big reason why we won our playoff game. Tiana is a pest defensively and uses her speed and quick hands to create chaos.”
Sophomore newcomer Olivia Polito has also impressed early.
“Olivia has been a pleasant surprise for us this season,” Moulton said. “She has really set the tone in practice with her energy and effort. Offensively, she adds another guard who handles the ball in pressure situations. She will be an effective scorer as the season goes along once she realizes how talented she is.”
Freshmen Bella Porcello and Olivia Sochor round out a promising young group that will gain valuable experience this winter.
Moulton’s goals for the season reflect both confidence and realism as the Blue Devils continue to build within a difficult conference.
“Our team goals are to compete in every single game,” he said. “Our division has always been extremely tough, and that was before adding Rootstown and Chagrin Falls. Our league schedule gives us an opportunity to play against great teams and continue to improve each time. I believe our team is going to be ready for the challenge.”
Ultimately, Wickliffe’s success will come down to defense, toughness, and tempo.
“Our keys to victory are going to be on the defensive side of the floor, limiting teams to one shot and getting out in transition,” Moulton said. “We want to be a physical, tough team that makes it hard on everyone that we play.”
With leadership, athleticism, and competitive fire, the Blue Devils are determined to make noise in the CVC this season.
