STACYVILLE, Maine — After earning playoff appearances at the Cross Insurance Center for the past three seasons, the Katahdin Cougars girls basketball team hopes to continue that winning tradition this season.
Under the veteran leadership of seven-year coach Jona Fitzpatrick, the Cougars have been one of the hardest working squads in Class D North and fans of the team should expect that trend to continue.
Last season, the Cougars finished 10-8 in the regular season and were ranked fifth in Class D North, which earned the team a bye directly to Bangor for the tournament. Katahdin upset No. 4 Shead 23-21 in the quarterfinals, but the Cougars fell to eventual state champ, No. 1 Southern Aroostook, 73-41 in the semifinals.
“I think we will be competitive,” coach Fitzpatrick said. “We are working hard, changing some things from last year, and we have some depth.”
That depth includes four seniors, two juniors, one sophomore and six freshmen who are looking to make an impact this season. The 2018-19 Katahdin roster features seniors Haley Landry, a returning starter who will play in the post; Madison Landry, also a post player; Hannah Kyllonen, a guard; and Alyssa Barylski, a guard/forward; juniors, Lily Cullen, who returns as the team’s starting point guard; and Jordyn Gardiner, also a guard.
The lone sophomore is Danielle “Dee” Libby, a versatile player who can play both guard positions and also serve as a small forward. The six freshmen are Madeline Ellis, Makayla Hartsgrove, Emily Beyer, Maizy Cullen, Tori Lau and Nikita Keim.
“I think one of our strengths is defense and rebounding,” coach Fitzpatrick said. “We have some kids that are really working to improve their defense. I have some height in the post, which will help. They are also determined and have a good work ethic. Our freshmen are going to be a strength for us and give us some depth.”
The starting five to begin the season will be Cullen, Libby, Kyllonen, Maddie Landry and Haley Landry.
Cullen sees the floor well, is confident, and is able to get into the paint and distribute the ball, the coach said. “I depend on her to play tough defense.”
Libby will be the Cougars shooting guard. “She can get into the paint and score or find the post,” Fitzpatrick said. “She can also shoot from outside. Dee has great instincts on defense, and I look for her to really work hard and improve her defense.”
Kyllonen will play guard. “She is the player I rely on to take on the tough defensive assignment,” the coach said. “She is quick, scrappy, and will chase the ball down. Offensively she has improved her game, getting into the paint, taking her shot. She is one of my senior captains and I look for her to lead on the floor.”
Maddie Landry will play in the post. “Maddie is strong, and I look for her to rebound well, and get the tough physical shots underneath,” the coach said. “Maddie has improved her overall game and is one of my senior captains.”
Haley Landry is another senior with plenty of experience with the team. “I will also rely on her for rebounding and scoring in the post,” the coach said. “Haley can shoot the ball, and I look for her to work hard defensively.”
Passing, movement away from the ball, transition offense and defense, perfecting its shooting will be among the things the coach wants to work on this season.
The team will be without the services of two key players — Hannah Drew and Natalie Rickards — who graduated last year. Both were big parts of Katahdin’s success on the floor each night, leaving a void for some new players to fill.
Coach Fitzpatrick said defending state champ Southern Aroostook remains the team to beat this season, while Madawaska and Hodgdon should also prove tough opponents.
