The Madison Blue Streaks enter the 2025-26 season with high expectations after a dominant 20-5 campaign that included an 11-0 mark in conference play and a Chagrin Valley Conference championship.
Head coach Heather Reho, now in her third year at the helm, has compiled an impressive 38-10 record and is confident her team is ready to build on last year’s success.
“These ladies had an incredible summer,” Reho said. “They showed up, put in the work, lifted, competed, and grew together. I’m proud of the effort and commitment they’ve shown. So far, I am eager, excited, and looking forward to our first scrimmage. I believe that a positive attitude and team culture will be instrumental in driving our success. During our player meetings, both the team and staff expressed that we have high expectations for this season. We need to continue to work together as one unit.”
With four returning starters and two other varsity returners, the Blue Streaks’ experience and chemistry will be key assets. Reho said her team’s speed and unselfish play will drive their style of basketball this winter.
“Speed is one of our strengths this year. We share the ball well and have good court vision,” she said. “We plan to take advantage by pushing the ball in transition, setting up our offense to find a great shot, and by communicating on defense. We want to create turnovers, communicate, and get back in transition every possession.”
Still, Reho knows maintaining focus will be crucial as the defending champs prepare to take everyone’s best shot.
“As a whole, we’re a young team this year, and we’ll be counting on our upperclassmen/captains to lead the way and communicate on and off the court,” Reho said. “Our focus is on building chemistry, emphasizing the team aspect of basketball, and playing as one unit. Last season, we were CVC champs and made a strong run to districts, which means we’ll have a target on our backs this year. We know adversity will come, but this group is ready to face it head-on and grow stronger because of it.”
Leading the way will be sophomore guard Gianna LaMarco, one of the top returning players in the area after averaging 17.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 4 steals per game last season.
“Gianna is one of our captains,” Reho said. “She will be the leader on the floor both offensively and defensively. She knows the game and can direct her team as needed. ‘G’ has put in the work on both sides of the ball. I’m looking forward to seeing her build on last season’s performance and play an important role in leading this team.”
Junior forward Leah Brock also returns as a captain after averaging 4.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.
“Leah will be a dominating force in and around the paint,” Reho said. “She has been working on her offense since last season ended, and her strength will be key to her success this year. Leah is always communicating on defense. She will be tough this year.”
Senior forward Kendra Smith provides another steady post presence after averaging 4.5 points and 5.1 rebounds last winter.
“Kendra will provide us a presence in the paint,” Reho said. “She will be relied on to defend, rebound, and finish in the paint.”
Senior guard Kaylee LaMarco brings leadership and energy to the backcourt.
“Kaylee will give us the spark and communication we need on defense,” Reho said. “She has worked hard on improving her shot.”
Sophomore guard Maddie White, who averaged 4.4 points and 3 rebounds, will also play a key role in the offense.
“Maddie is one of the fastest in the gym,” Reho said. “She is not afraid to run the floor for the open pass and will also lock down any given offensive player. I am looking forward to her this year being one of our key defenders as well as helping us on the offensive side.”
Madison also features a deep supporting cast led by sophomore guard/forward Amara Morant, who averaged 5.8 points and 3.7 rebounds last season.
“Amara is a very special player,” Reho said. “She is able to play as a guard or in the post. She is quick, smart, and able to make a play. Amara is very versatile, and we will rely on her heavily throughout the season.”
Freshman guard CC Alley has already made an impression.
“CC is a freshman who has quickly fit right in on our team,” Reho said. “She is a great teammate and is doing an outstanding job on both sides of the ball. CC knows the game and has great court awareness. She will be relied on throughout the season to break a press, be a two guard in our offensive sets, and lock down a talented offensive player.”
Other key contributors include Addie Gabor, a hardworking forward who “will do whatever is asked of her” and has “improved her footwork around the hoop,” along with freshman forward Lauren Martin, whom Reho praised for her hustle and defensive intensity.
“Lauren is an athlete and is great defensively,” she said. “She hustles and always gives 110 percent on the floor.”
Junior guard/forward Alanna Reilly rounds out the rotation.
“Alanna knows our expectations,” Reho said. “She is knowledgeable of our game and always gives 100 percent.”
The Blue Streaks have set clear goals for themselves this winter.
“As stated in player meetings, this team has a goal to win the CVC this year,” Reho said. “We would also like to make it far in the postseason.”
For Madison, the keys are simple but essential.
“Be a good teammate, run in transition, communicate on defense, look for a great shot on offense, and when we make a mistake, don’t dwell on it and move on/keep playing,” Reho said.
With their returning experience, strong leadership, and a focus on team unity, the Blue Streaks appear well-equipped to chase another conference title — and perhaps go even deeper come tournament time.
