South Lakes Girls Basketball
Coach: Christy Winters Scott (seventh year)
2010-11 Record: 9-14
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Key returning players: Emily Lopynski, Sanica Bendre, Abigale Rendle, Caitlin Jensen, Gabrielle Schultz, Mary Severin
Position strengths: Point guard
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Overview: Only one coaching job could pull Christy Winters Scott away from Georgetown University. After suffering an 0-21 season in 2004, South Lakes High School gave Winters Scott a call to see if she had any interest in returning to Reston to coach her alma mater. It didn’t take long for her to make a decision.
“To come back to Reston, to have that support system here and just to be able to remain in the game of basketball, I had to do it. The stars were aligned,” said Winters Scott, who was previously on the coaching staff at George Mason and at Maryland, where she played Division I basketball.
“If any other high school job had been open at that time, I think I’d still be at Georgetown.”
Winters Scott enters her seventh season as head coach on Tuesday when South Lakes travels to Westfield. And if the Seahawks’ impressive preseason scrimmages are any indicator of what this season may bring, fans have reasons to be optimistic.
Guards Emily Lopynski and Sanica Bendre are the team’s only seniors and will be called upon to provide leadership to the eight Seahawk sophomores on the roster. Lopynski is a four-year starter and was instrumental in leading South Lakes to the Northern Region tournament two seasons ago.
“Emily really possesses the athleticism and competitive nature that our team needs,” said Winters Scott.
Several of the team’s eight sophomores received valuable minutes last year and spent a great deal of time this offseason working to improve their game. Of the eight, center Abigail Rendle has arguably the highest ceiling for potential and according to Winters Scott, has caught the attention of several Division 1 athletic programs. Rendle impressed the coaching staff after tallying nine blocks in one game last season. Her 6-foot-4 frame and agility make her a dominant force inside.
“She has an amazing knack for getting the ball. She's really improving every day and I love working with her because I see a lot of myself in her,” Winters Scott said.
Sophomore guard Caitlin Jensen likely will start at point guard. Jensen is just a sophomore, but has earned the trust and respect of her coaches and teammates. Jensen played on the varsity team last season as a freshman and gained valuable minutes.
“Caitlin has become a leader on the floor for us and has a tremendous work ethic," said Winters Scott. "She's the type of player who wants to be in the gym and get better."
Junior guard/forward Gabrielle Schultz is an aggressive rebounder who always seems to be around the basketball.
“Gabby’s been starting for us since her freshman year and it’s been really neat to see how she has grown into her role," the coach said. "We’re a different team without her on the floor.”
