Scranton outlook: Strong approaches milestone as Lady Royals set sights high

Four wins separate University of Scranton head coach Mike Strong from notching his name at the top of the NCAA record books.

Strong is just four victories from passing former St. John Fisher College (N.Y.) head coach Phil Kahler as the all-time leader in wins (757) in NCAA Division III women's basketball history. Strong, who has averaged nearly 25 wins a season during his 31-year tenure, enters the 2011-2012 season with a 754-159 career record.

The Lady Royals, however, are coming off a second straight season in which they fell short of a Landmark Conference championship. They dropped a 67-49 decision to Juniata in the title game last season to finish with a 19-7 record. It was the first time since 2001 that the Lady Royals did not earn an NCAA Tournament bid, ending a run of nine straight seasons. The season-ending loss also snapped a string of 19 straight seasons with 20 or more wins.

To the casual observer, the 2011-2012 season could be seen as a rebuilding campaign for The University of Scranton women's basketball team. Gone are five players who contributed to that 19-win season, including four senior starters. The Lady Royals will need to replace 46.5 percent of the team's offense, 54.8 percent of its assists and 36.2 percent of its rebounds from last season.

With three-time Landmark Conference Player of the Year Megan Kopecki and fellow guard Jenn King, an all-conference selection last season, among the losses to graduation, the Royals will turn to sophomore guard Alison Sweeney (Wall, N.J./St. Rose) to be the main scoring threat this season. Sweeney, who stands 5-foot-10, has the range to score from beyond the arc and the ability to penetrate and get to the basket. She came on strong late last season, averaging 9.5 points per game while scoring a season-high 31 points in a loss at Juniata on Feb. 12.

Junior forward Tayler Pallotta (Dunmore, Pa./Dunmore) returns after seeing time as a starter down the stretch while averaging 5.7 points and 4.0 rebounds in 18.4 minutes per game. At 5-foot-10, she has the potential to add scoring punch to the lineup while giving the Lady Royals strength and physicality in the middle.

Sarah Gage (Ledgewood, N.J./Roxbury), one of two seniors on the squad, returns after also seeing time in the starting lineup last season. The 5-foot-11 forward will provide strength and toughness in the middle after averaging 5.2 points and pulling down 4.1 rebounds last season.

Also returning to provide the Lady Royals with strength and energy in the post is junior forward Shernai Bentley (Warwick, N.Y./Warwick Valley), who also spent time in the starting lineup last season A strong rebounder and defender, Bentley averaged 2.2 points and 4.4 rebounds in 17 minutes per game. Her quickness, strength and infectious attitude are expected to provide a spark on both ends of the court.

Scranton will also be bolstered by the addition of 6-foot-1 junior Erin Boggan (Danbury, Conn./Danbury), a Division I transfer from Gardner-Webb. Boggan rebounds well and can score from numerous areas on the court after playing on the perimeter at Gardner-Webb.

Freshman forward Emma Hart (Los Lunas, N.M./Valencia) will be a solid addition in the post. Considered the team's strongest player, her rebounding skills and coachability have been impressive during preseason practices. Sophomore forward Katie Sherry (Havertown, Pa./Merian Mercer Academy) will also provide depth in the middle in a reserve role.

On the perimeter, senior guard Sidney Jaques (Rosemont, N.J./Hunterdon Central) will bring strong defense and the ability to score from long range. She averaged 2.6 points last season while knocking down 44.4 percent (12 of 27) from 3-point range.

Sophomore guard Katie Cunningham (Garden City, N.Y./Kellenberg Memorial) and junior guard Katherine Torto (Binghamton, N.Y./Seton Central Catholic) will add depth and scoring ability to the Lady Royals' backcourt. Cunningham has the ability to shoot from long range and add solid defense while Torto is considered a talented shooter with a strong knowledge of the game.

Newcomer Raychel Shannon (Binghamton, N.Y./Chenango Forks Central), a Division II transfer from LeMoyne College, is a solid all-around athlete who will compete for time at the off-guard spot thanks to her ability to penetrate and score. Junior guard Christina Hiltunen (Brooklyn, N.Y./Bishop Kearney) is also expected to compete for time at point guard after playing in 21 games last season.

A pair of freshmen will also see time in the backcourt for the Lady Royals. Lindsay Fluehr (Bensalem, Pa./Nazareth Academy) played the off-guard spot in high school, but won the point guard duties during the preseason thanks to her quickness, defense and court awareness. She also impressed the coaching staff immensely with her physical conditioning.

Wing player Lia DiSciascio (Broomall, Pa./Cardinal O'Hara) will push to be a regular in the rotation, as well. The 5-foot-8 guard is considered a strong all-around player who can score from the perimeter and has the size to defend in the post.

Junior guard K.C. Hawkes (Binghamton, N.Y./Seton Central Catholic) will be with the team but will not be in uniform due to illness.

News & Notes: The Lady Royals were picked third in the Landmark Conference preseason poll. ... In four seasons in the Landmark Conference, Scranton is 50-6 in conference play. ... The Lady Royals led the Landmark Conference in scoring defense (53.8 ppg allowed), scoring margin (+11.8), field goal percentage defense (34.5), 3-point field goal percentage defense (26.6), turnover margin (+4.85) and 3-point field goals made per game (6.58) last season.

--ROYALS--