Girls basketball preview: New-look Central eyeing top of Southern Lakes Conference

PADDOCK LAKE — Central head coach Sarah Klahs is seemingly a new woman this season.

Formerly Sarah Vozel, a former star player for Wilmot, got married in the offseason and is poised for a fresh start with the Falcons in year two.

In her first season as a head coach, her squad went .500 in the Southern Lakes Conference (7-7) and finished with a respectable 10-16 overall record.

However, turnover is always a challenge in high school basketball, and Central must deal with massive changes this season.

Gone are a combined 31 points from last year's leading scorers Reese Rynberg (team MVP, first team all-county), three-year letter-winner Taya Witt and starter Alyssa Klementzos, and the Falcons have been feeling the void already in this young season.

Central is 0-3 to start off the campaign, but Tuesday's 56-52 loss to Greendale could be a sign of things to come.

The Falcons have gotten an unexpected boost from Wilmot transfer Cardin Johnson, a sophomore who's the younger sister of star McKenna Johnson, who graduated early and is already attending the University of Minnesota.

Cardin leads the team with 12.7 points per game, and she is one of a healthy 33 players in the program.

Back in the fold are four-year varsity point guard Maddie Haubrich, senior guard Chloe Lois and sophomore guard Lydia Pelli.

One year after tying for second place in the conference, Klahs sees bigger things this year for the Falcons.

"I believe we will be competing to finish in the top three this year in conference play," Klahs said. "Last year, we tied for second place and I think we will grow on that finish. We have a more balanced offense in terms of scoring distribution. We play a touch schedule, but I anticipate that we will have a winning record this season."

Senior guard Bella Frederick is another key returning letter-winner, but there's a plethora of new talent.

Along with Johnson, Central will feature newcomers Gabby Avila, a junior guard, sophomore post Aliyah Warren, and freshmen guards Keara Griffin and Kahlen Willis, and freshman post Lilah Longrie.

In the Southern Lakes, Beloit Memorial is new to the league this season, and Klahs believes there will be an even playing field throughout the area.

"The conference has a new arrival that might stir things up," Klahs said. "I think it will be a more even playing field than in the past, and there are several challengers for the championship title."

The outlook is bright this year. With young talent and solid leadership from the seniors, Klahs is excited about a big year.

"Our team is very young, however, we have athletes with talent," Klahs said. "I am excited to see our seniors lead the way for the underclassmen to develop at the varsity level. We have players who can contribute in many ways both offensively and defensively. Watching them compete is something I am looking forward to this season."

- 2: vs. Racine Park at Union Grove tournament, 10 a.m. 5: at Union Grove. . 21: at Burlington. 27: Racine Lutheran at UW-Parkside, 3 p.m. 28-29: at Oregon tournament. January - 4: ELKHORN. 12: at Waterford. - 1: at Beloit Memorial. .

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