The goal was 20 wins, but the Lady Scotties fell just short of that mark in 2008-09. With a number of experienced players back into the fold, that watermark may be hit in 2009-10. The three school co-op (Waverly, Franklin, New Berlin) finished 17-9 last season, and went 3-1 in the MSM conference. "We let a few games slip through our fingers that kept us from our goal of 20 wins last year," coach Scott Hendricks said.

A postseason run came to an end in the Regional championship game, falling by six points to Pittsfield. "All in all it was an outstanding year with a good core of players coming back this season to build on last years success."

Returning for the Lady Scotties will be Rita Nickell (6'3" Jr. Center) in the post. Last season, Nickell averaged 7.0 points/game and 7.0 rebounds/game. "Look for a big jump in offensive and defensive output from her this year." Savanna Ashbaugh (5'7" Jr. Guard) started in a few games last year, but logged just as many minutes as the starting rotation. "She was more of a defensive specialist, but has worked all summer on becoming an offensive leader for us as well." Another starter back is Falyn Lockenour (5'6" Jr. Guard). She averaged 4.0 points/game last season. "She is going to have to pick up some of the scoring load that was lost to graduation."

Several newcomers enter the varsity program. Ali Loos (5'6" So. Point Guard) played some varsity as a freshman. "At the end she was very valuable to us. She needs to become more consistent outside shooter and become a court leader as the point guard." Courtney Schroeder (5'6" Jr. Forward) will be expected to lead on both ends of the floor. "Very strong player that can hold her own on defense. She is very effective when she can hit her 15-foot jump shot." Balancing things out in the post will be, Ashlyn Fore (5'10" So. Forward). "(Ashlyn) has very good post moves and should be a good fit with our 6'3" center." Expectations are also high on Lauren Turner (5'3" So. Guard). "(Lauren) is a tenacious defensive player. She has gained more confidence on the offensive end over the summer. She should be a great asset this season." Maggie Tarr (5'5" Jr. Guard) is fairly new to the program. "(Maggie) just came back to basketball as a sophomore. She is very athletic and when she starts to feel comfortable with the game again, she will become a good player for us." Cassy Groom (5'8" So. Guard) is another young Scottie that's expected to contribute. "(Cassy) has changed positions from junior high to high school. She played forward in junior high and has changed to guard."

A youth movement has entered the ranks of the program, following the graduations of several players in 2008-09. Ashley King was a first-team all-conference pick and was a special mention in the Springfield Journal-Register's All-Area team. King averaged 9.3 points/game, 5.3 rebounds/game, and 3.2 assists/game. She is now playing volleyball at the University of Illinois-Springfield. Alison Whalen is now playing basketball at Illinois College.

Hopes are high at Waverly/Franklin/New Berlin. "If we can mature on the court quickly and step into the roles lost to graduation we could have another good year. We hope to have as many wins as last season and depending on the regional assignments, hope to contend for a regional title."

As far as the MSM conference race goes, the Lady Scotties look to battle with league favorite Springfield Lutheran again. "(Lutheran) is bring a lot of their team back that was very strong last season. The other teams in the conference are very young and will have to beat Lutheran to have a chance to win the conference," Hendricks said. Other MSM members are; Springfield Calvary, Kincaid, Pawnee, and Tri-City.

Scott Hendricks is in his third year as head coach of the Lady Scotties. He was the head boy's basketball coach at Waverly for eight seasons. Hendricks also spent time at the college level, as an assistant men's basketball coach at Illinois College in Jacksonville, a position he held for three seasons.