Metuchen girls want to erase last year's memories
Bulldogs hoops team went 6-16 a year ago
BY SHAWN LAYTON Staff Writer
After posting a disappointing 6-16 record last season, Metuchen High School girls basketball is looking to rebound under first-year head coach Krissy Suckow when the new season gets under way this week. An assistant under Greg O'Neill last year, Suckow is excited to take over the head coaching duties.

"The important thing is that the girls believe they can be good this year," Suckow said. "We'll try to utilize our athleticism and play and up-tempo game. We have a bit more depth than in years past, and this should help us out tremendously."

Although the Bulldogs suffered a key loss with point guard Joelle Vitale's departure, more than a handful of players return with varsity experience.

Senior forward/center Caitlin Walker and sophomore guard Stacey Carr head the list of returning Bulldogs. Both Walker and Carr provided the bulk of Metuchen's scoring last season and will be asked to duplicate that feat again this year.

"Caitlin has already stepped up her game this year," Suckow said. "She's made her decision about college already, and I think it has definitely eliminated some stress. She can really dominate the game for us."

Walker's talents on the soccer pitch helped earn the Bulldogs a state title and herself a scholarship to play in the Big East at Providence College.

In just her freshman season last year, Carr proved she can do a bit of everything. A solid rebounder and jump shooter, Carr can also slash her way to the rim. In a nutshell, Carr can be a handful for any defense.

Also back to the varsity lineup are seniors Katrina Hill and Geri Koval. Koval led the Bulldogs in scoring her sophomore season

and provides a legitimate outside

threat to the floor. Hill's versatility

allows her to play anywhere on

the court.

"Both Katrina and Geri are

already in good shape," Suckow

said. "When Geri is confident,

she can really shoot the ball

well, and Katrina already looks

better than she did all of last year."

Seniors Jade Bing and Chrissy

Wooding bring the team additional inside presence to play along side Walker. Wooding returns to the team after opting not to play her junior year.

"We're very excited to have Chrissy back," Suckow said. "She's a hard-nosed player who will go after every loose ball. Like Chrissy, Jade does a lot of the little things that can go unnoticed. Both can do a good job of controlling the glass for us."

Sophomore Val Gordon is also expected to see plenty of playing time.

"Val is a tremendous defensive player and she has a knack of getting to the basket," Suckow said. "She will see a lot of time."

The Dogs will look to put last year's struggles behind them when they tip off the new season at 7 p.m. Dec. 14, when Spotswood pays a visit.