2014-15 Season Outlook: Scots Look to Replicate Last Year's Fast Start, Add Strong Finish

The College of Wooster women's basketball team made noticeable offensive improvement last season under fifth-year head coach Ashley Reid, and with personnel better suited for her up-tempo system, she believes the Fighting Scots could make a move up the North Coast Athletic Conference standings in 2014-15.

Wooster got off to one of the most impressive starts in NCAA Div. III a year ago, as it went 5-0 for the first time in 23 years while scoring more than 80 points in each game during that stretch. Although the Scots weren't able to maintain that pace, they still averaged over 60 points per game – their most during Reid's tenure – including 68 points against then-No. 1 ranked DePauw University.

"Last year we got to see what an up-tempo style can do for us," said Reid. "Early in the season, we were running up and down the court, beating teams in transition, scoring on quick-hitters. But then as the season went on, we started letting the more challenging opponents dictate what we did and take us out of our offense. If we can play our style of basketball all season long, then we can dictate the way the game is played and be more successful."

One reason Wooster's up-tempo attack works so well is how it complements its athletic and versatile standout junior forward Lauren Hancher. At 5-7, Hancher is a bit undersized to be playing in the post, but her quickness up and down the court and moves near the basket have allowed her to thrive in that role. Hancher was made a second-team all-NCAC selection last year, after she ranked fourth in the league in scoring (14.8 ppg), third in field goal percentage (48.5), and added 4.1 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 assists per game.

"We might play Lauren more on the wing this year, but she'll still be taking advantage of matchups and going inside, too," said Reid. "She can play with her back to the basket or square up and drive at any given time. Lauren is our go-to scorer and she has embraced that."

Returning alongside Hancher in the frontcourt are sophomores Natalie Coschigano and Paige Fabry, who both appeared in exactly 14 games last season. Coschigano, standing at 5-10, has the inside track on a starting position, as she shot 64.3 percent (9-for-14) and pulled down 1.4 rebounds per game off the bench as a first-year. Fabry, the more physical of the two, earned two starts a year ago and will be in the mix for more.

The biggest strength of this year's team is at the guard position, according to Reid, as the depth and speed in the backcourt is as good as it has been in quite some time. One key component to that group is junior point guard Rachel Huxhold, who totaled 73 assists (1.46 apg) over her first two years, and is poised for a breakout as the team's primary ball handler in 2014-15. Huxhold reached double-figures in scoring three times last season, a number that is expected to rise this year.

One of the most dangerous shooters in the league will be back in the fold, as junior Sydney Grier looks to continue her offensive assault form behind the arc. Grier has made 66 3-pointers over her first two seasons, including 42 last year, when she averaged 6.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.

"Sydney is a great weapon to have," said Reid. "She has worked hard to develop that 3-point shot into what it is. When we get dribble penetration and kick it out to her, it's almost a lay-up for Sydney that you're giving up. Now she's working on getting to the rim and adding secondary shots to help make her a more complete player."

The Scots have four other guards with plenty of game experience, too, including the sophomore trio of Danielle Besancon, Rachel Collins, and Sydney Failing. All three played in nearly every game last season, and each showcased different talents that could make them difference-makers in their second years with the Scots.

Besancon's role increased as the season wore on, where she eventually was playing nearly 13 minutes a night over the final 11 games of the year. She was most effective as a defender and utilizing her speed in transition.

Collins was a huge part of Wooster's fast start, as she scored 11.8 points per game during the first five games of her collegiate career, including a 19-point explosion. Her numbers tapered off a bit down the stretch, but Collins (4.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg) still has plenty of upside for Wooster, potentially as a starter.

Failing showed a knack for getting to the basket and drawing fouls, where she led the team with 84.0 percent (42-of-50) shooting at the charity stripe. She might see more time at forward than at guard this season, where she can better utilize her size and strength around the basket.

Also returning is the team's lone senior, Lindy Howard, who has had an up-and-down career due to injuries. Expected to be healthy for the start of the season, Howard, a versatile guard, has the ability to provide more than just solid depth off the bench if her health allows it.

In addition to the nine returners, Wooster welcomes four first-years that will have the opportunity to factor in right away on a relatively young team. Those newcomers include Aki Shurelds, who is competing with Huxhold at point guard, Katherine Mandych, who projects to be a part of the frontcourt rotation as early as day one, along with local product Hannah Kiser and two-sport athlete (softball) Erin Fulcher.

"The competitiveness of our conference has definitely increased in recent years, and I think we're in the middle of the pack," said Reid. "Last season didn't play out the way we wanted, but we were a few plays away from having some close games go our way. We made it to the conference tournament for the first time in a while, and now we're right there knocking on the door. We are really excited to keep improving this upcoming season."