Poland High School girls’ basketball preview

POLAND, Ohio (WKBN) – Poland will look to replace a pair of all-conference players in Leanna Williams (6.9 ppg) and the Northeast 8 Player of the Year Mary Brant (15.5 ppg) from last year's league championship team.

Coach Nick Blanch views his team as, "We have coachable kids in this program; great work ethic and are athletic. They're committed to each other as teammates and friends; they have a strong desire to get better every day."

The team welcomes back three starters – seniors Sophia Generalovich (4.7 ppg) and Kate Harrell (2.7 ppg) along with junior Elliana Thompson (9.6 ppg).

Also look for Lucy Harrell (1.4 ppg), Leanna Boccieri (2.4 ppg), Lauren Cross, Lily McDonald, Cassie Blanch and Isabel Greco to have the opportunity to take on larger roles this year. The staff is high on its freshmen class that includes Aurelia Cook, Kennedy Hassay, Ella Mathew, Allie Nigh and Ava Stabi.

"We're looking to remain positive and confident throughout the entire season," says Blanch. "We must learn from everything we encounter, both good and bad; stick together and enjoy the process."

Poland is set to open the season with a matchup with Chaney on November 25.

Poland Bulldogs Fast Facts Head Coach: Nick Blanch, 15th season (254-100) Assistant Coaches: John Dubec, Bella Gajdos, Al Masi, Brooke Rowe 2023-24 Record: 14-9 (11-1), 1st place in Northeast 8 2023-24 Post-Season Finish: Lost in Sectional Final to Pymatuning Valley (50-48)

Team Stats Scoring Offense: 42.5 Scoring Defense: 40.4

Nov. 25 – Chaney Dec. 2 – Champion Dec. 5 – at Canfield Dec. 9 – at East Dec. 12 – Hubbard Dec. 14 – Springfield (United Way) Dec. 16 – at Girard Dec. 19 – Niles Dec. 23 – at Badger Dec. 27 – at Brookfield Jan. 4 – Struthers Jan. 6 – at Lakeview Jan. 9 – South Range Jan. 13 – Salem Jan. 16 – at Struthers Jan. 18 – at Hubbard Jan. 23 – Girard Jan. 25 – at Marlington Jan. 27 – at Niles Jan. 30 – Lakeview Feb. 3 – at South Range Feb. 6 – Columbiana