Lew Wallace Hornets
Last season: 4-10, 0-2 in Northwestern Conference, lost in 3A sectional opener to Hammond.
Inside the Hornets
Leading returning scorer: Jessica Cunningham, 13 ppg
Leading returning rebounder: Tiaunna Scott, 10.5 rpg
Star power: Alexa Dennie, Sr., G: "She's got leadership quality, gives 150 percent all the time," coach Ron Hearne said. "A natural athlete in basketball, cross country and track. At 5-2, she's got a lot of guts. She was second in rebounds on the team last year."
Newcomer to watch: Ashanti Mays, So., G/F: "Led the JV last year. Can score and handle the ball," Hearne said. "We look for her to handle the same role on varsity."
Keeping the faith in his young team
George Williams has certainly paid his dues, having spent 25 years as an assistant at Horace Mann, Wirt and Wallace high schools. He currently is interim head coach for the Hornets and their fifth different coach since 2005-06. "I plan to be here the whole time. It's about the kids," said Williams, who serves as pastor of New Life Outreach Church of God and Christ in East Chicago. Alexa Dennie (5 assists, 3 steals per game) is one of only two seniors on the team. Williams' tallest player is 5-foot-9 and he's got nine who are 5-5 or shorter. Wallace hopes to avoid its ninth straight losing season. !~ Al Hamnik
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