Calumet Warriors
Last season: 6-15, 5-2 GSSC, lost in the Class 3A Kankakee Valley Sectional opener to Knox
Inside the Warriors
Leading returning scorer: Theresa Strong, 7.1 ppg
Leading returning rebounder: Theresa Strong, 4.3 rpg
Star power: Theresa Strong, Sr., F. The tall senior has experience to spare, playing with the Warriors since her freshman year. She'll be counted on for everything from points, to rebounds, to assists, to her leadership on the floor.
Newcomer to watch: De'Zaree' Smith, Sr. F. A co-captain, Smith's greatest attribute will be helping to bring the younger Warriors to stay on the same page. Her dedication to the team and her spirit are assets Calumet can't play without.
Breakdown
Calumet learns hard lessons
Last season was the first in which the Warriors were neither favored, nor did they win the conference titles. That was a big lesson learned for the only team that had previously put its name on the regular-season and tournament trophies. The work to turn that around started as soon as the season ended. "I've been pleased with their work ethic," coach Dori Downing said. "Last year, I was disappointed with how hard they worked at practice. They didn't work as hard every day, and it showed on the court. This team is out here, working just as hard day-to-day." As much as Theresa Strong will be counted on to bring back her scoring prowess, freshman Tiana Burroughs will start and learn quickly how much her athleticism will be counted on. "I was a part of those GSSC history teams, and I honestly believe that we have to take the hard work we do here and put it on the court," Strong said. "It's not easy, not at all. But if we have faith, we can do it." !~ Hillary Smith
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