By Mike Wertman
Medina Journal-Register
Medina Journal-Register — Anchored by a trio of returning starters, Medina will begin tuning up for the Niagara-Orleans League campaign by visiting Oakfield-Alabama on Dcc. 6.
The trio of seniors Alba Perez and Abby Button along with junior Tanisha Robinson lead the way for Medina which went 9-5 in N-O action last season and 13-7 overall. Perez earned first team N-O All-League honors as she led the league in scoring and rebounding by averaging 17 points and 14 rebounds per outing.
The Mustangs also return varsity experience in seniors Bailey Ames and Alicia Smith and junior Olivia Hermann. Rounding out the squad are juniors Taylor Miller and Melanie Schrader along with sophomores Nicole Blount, Kendra Hill and emma Ambrose.
“We’ve got a good starting five and I’ve been impressed with he young kids,” coach Ken Haak said. ““Our seniors will have to jump into lead roles and our underclassmen will have to step up.”
The Mustangs key losses to graduation include Sharon Husung and Maggie Balcerzak.
The Mustangs will also host Hutch-Tech of Buffalo on Dec. 13 before opening the N-O season at home Dec. 20 against CSAT.
Wilson and Roy-Hart shared the N-O title last year at 12-2 follow by Albion at 10-4 and Medina at 9-5.
“The league is a bit of an enigma this year,” said Haak . ‘Wilson is always strong, Albion will be tough and Newfane has some good young kids so it will be interesting.”
Medina Mustangs COACH: Ken Haak LAST YEAR: 9-5, 13-7 KEY LOSSES: Sharon Husung, Maggie Balcerzak, Joelle Heiligenthaler, Anna Rath KEY RETURNEES: Alba Perez (Sr.), Abby Button (Sr.), Tanisha Robinson (Jr.) SCHEDULE: Dec. 6 at Oakfield-Alabama, 7 p.m. Dec. 13 - Huth-Tech, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 20 - CSAT, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 27-28 at Avon Tournament Jan. 4 - at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 8 - at Newfane, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 11 - at Albion, 7 p.m. Jan. 15 - Barker, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 18 - Wilson, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 22 - Akron ,6:30 p.m. Jan. 25 - at CSAT, 6:30 p.m. Jn .29 - Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 31 - Newfane, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 5 - Albion, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 8 - at Barker, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12 - at Wilson, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 14 - at Akron, 6:30 p.m.