Teams will compete in different divisions in new league
For the first time in years, Analy and El Molino girls won’t occupy the same league, following North Bay League realignment.
Under returning head coach Raquel Gomes, Analy will compete in the NBL Oak Division with the likes of Cardinal Newman, Ukiah, Windsor, Montgomery and Santa Rosa, while El Mo occupies the Redwood Division.
The Tigers are coming off a strong 2017-18 campaign that included a 13-15 overall record and a trip to the North Coast Section Division 3 playoffs. Analy will return seven players from that team, including one of the best back-courts in the league.
Returning veterans are senior guards Isabel Housman, Sierra Atkins, Mihn Tam Le and Lucia Jameau and senior center Aleah Armstrong. Junior returnees are sisters Breanna and Leah Lawrence.
“Each of the seniors brings their own set of skills and energy that will lead our team this season,” Gomes said. “Breanna and Leah will give us great minutes and contribute on both ends of the floor.”
Bolstering this year’s team are juniors Samantha Davis, Bailey Alberigi and Luna Planty, along with freshman Lucca Lowenberg.
Analy enters the first season following realignment fully aware of the tough road ahead, but optimistic that it can compete with some of the best programs in the North Bay.
“Although we head into a tough league and have been deemed the underdog, I have great confidence in this squad and know their fight,” Gomes noted. “My hope for them is that they compete every second out on that floor and have fun.”
The Tigers will open the preseason schedule against visiting El Molino on Nov. 13 (after press time) and will host Piner on Monday, Nov. 19, in a 7:30 p.m. varsity tip-off.
Lions ready to roll
El Molino figures to have a level playing field for the first time in years, competing in the NBL Redwood Division. The Lions will be playing against like-sized programs in Elsie Allen, Healdsburg, Maria Carrillo, Piner and Rancho Cotate.
“We’re very excited for our new league,” returning coach Keith Nordby reported. “This should be a great year for my seniors, and our goal is to be very strong on defense.”
The Lions will be led by senior guard Grace Anderson, who will be counted on for both scoring and floor leadership. She’ll be joined by senior Jordan Rodgers and Janessa Osorio, juniors Hayley Sheridan and Hailee Walker, sophomores Angelina Gonnella, Clair Casey and Katie Holdren, and freshmen Ellie Roan, Talia Husary and Alex Foszcz.
The Lions have already logged one game on the preseason circuit, opening up on Nov. 8 with a 57-43 loss to Terra Linda. El Mo will visit Analy on Nov. 13 and travel to Summerfield Waldorf on Saturday, Nov. 17 (6 p.m.).
