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By Rick Cassano, Staff Writer 1:08 AM Friday, November 27, 2009

HAMILTON — Badin High School’s girls basketball fortunes this season will likely hinge on the same area that weakened its record in 2008-09.

Turnovers. Turnovers. Turnovers.

The Rams averaged 23 per game and went 9-12 last year. Badin’s got a sizable amount of returnees this season, so if the turnovers decrease, the Green-and-White could do significantly better.

“If we can get that number down to 15 or 16 a game, that’s a 10-to-12 point swing,” second-year coach Tom Sunderman said. “We’re making progress. It’s basically our ability to handle pressure. It’s improving our basketball smarts. It’s just keeping that mental focus.”

Frontcourt

Senior Courtney Hubbard and sophomore Kara Gerbus are returning starters. Gerbus was the Rams’ top scorer (9.0 per game) last season, and Hubbard was No. 2 (8.6). Also back is third-leading scorer Abby Fritsch (5.0), a sophomore. She’s a hard worker on the glass and is expected to be the first forward off the bench. Junior Megan Purves will provide solid depth.

“We’ll have to lean on Courtney as a senior to be more aggressive on offense and on the boards,” Sunderman said.

Backcourt

Junior Abby Stapf returns to run the show at point guard, with senior Morgan Retherford and junior Morgan Pater likely to start as the wings.

Stapf figures to be the key player for Badin. As the lead ball-handler, winning the turnover war will start with her.

Sunderman said Pater may be the team’s best outside shooter, and he believes Retherford — a part-time starter last year — could be a breakout player.

“She’s got the ability to do well inside and outside,” said Sunderman, noting that Retherford reminds him of former Badin standout Kym Fiehrer. “She just needs to come to the forefront and express it.”

Senior Katie Maus and sophomore Lauren Mathews could be key contributors in the backcourt.

Outlook

Sunderman said Badin is undersized — Hubbard and Gerbus are the tallest players at 5-foot-9 — but there is a good deal of quickness to work with.

Numerous Rams have similar size and athleticism, and Sunderman hopes they’ll prove to be interchangeable parts, especially on defense.

The Girls Greater Cincinnati League Grey Central Division is a bit of an unknown this season. McNicholas, Roger Bacon and Purcell Marian all have new coaches.

“We’re going to set our goals high,” Sunderman said. “I think the girls will be up to the challenge.”

Schedule

Nov. 28 at Ross

Dec. 1 Fairfield

Dec. 5 Monroe

Dec. 9 at Fenwick

Dec. 12 Dayton Carroll

Dec. 19 Roger Bacon

Dec. 28 at Talawanda

Jan. 4 at Wyoming

Jan. 6 at McNicholas

Jan. 9 at Kettering Alter