Madison enters the 2024-2025 season with three returning starters from a squad that won 18 games last winter.
The Blue Streaks, who finished 18-5 overall and 10-4 in the Chagrin Valley Conference Lake Division, has the talent and depth to make a run at the conference title and to make a deep postseason run.
“I feel confident in this squad,” said second-year head coach Heather Reho. “They are very talented, and we are learning how to play together. If we communicate, play together, and stay focused on the defensive side, we will have a very successful season.”
Madison’s not-so-secret weapon is reigning CVC Player of the Year Zoey Deligianis.
Deligianis, a 5-foot-6 senior point guard, averaged 23 points, six rebounds, 3.5 steals, and 3.0 assists per game last winter on her way to earning first-team all-conference, second-team all-district, and special-mention All-Ohio.
“Zoey is our leader on and off the court,” Reho said. “She works hard on both sides of the ball. I am looking forward to her having a great senior year.”
Junior Kendra Smith, a 5-foot-9 forward, and junior Kaylee LaMarco, a 5-foot-3 guard, are Madison’s other returning starters.
Smith averaged four points and seven rebounds per game last season while LaMarco dropped two points with three rebounds per contest.
“We will look to Kendra for defensive/offensive boards and putbacks. She will be the voice and presence in the paint on defense,” Reho said. “Kaylee is one of our go-tos to shut down a talented offensive player. She is quick and has a voice on defense.”
Sophomore Leah Brock and freshman Gianna LaMarco round out the projected starting lineup.
Brock is a 5-foot-10 forward while LaMarco is a 5-foot-4 guard.
“I am looking forward to watching Leah grab offensive and defensive boards as well as finishing in the paint,” Reho said. “Gianna is a talented freshman guard. She works hard, sees the floor very well, and has a high basketball IQ. I am looking forward to her having a great freshman year.”
Providing depth for the Blue Streaks are freshman guards Amara Morant and Madelyn White, and senior guard Ella Hall.
“One of our strengths is transition,” Reho said of her team. “We are able to get out, run, and push the ball. My plan is to play fast, wear teams down, and capitalize on the offensive end.”
The Blue Streaks have set their sights on the conference title and a deep playoff run.
To accomplish those goals, they’ll have to focus on defense, limit turnovers, and play well as a squad.
