The Newton girls team went 8-15 last season and 4-7 in the WOAC. The Indians will have a new face on the sidelines this year Stefanie Landiss.
Ryan Fiely who after 4 seasons step aside as Stefanie Landis takes the reins. Landis has previous coaching experience with 2 years at Hamilton and also experience as a player at an elite level. The former Stefanie Miller played high school basketball at Beavercreek and college basketball at the University of Dayton.
Stefanie graduated from UD in 2004 and until recently had set the mark for the most 3-pointers in a career as a Flyer connecting on 221 triples while also scoring 1254 career points.
She will inherit 3 seniors, 2 juniors, 2 sophomores and 2 freshmen.
Key players this year will be:
Reese Hess is a Sr., guard and a returning starter averaged 12.2 ppg, 4 reb and 2 steals. Look for Reese to set the tone for the Indians this season.
Brooke Hines is a Sr., guard and averaged 3 ppg and 2 reb last year.
Payton Nicholas is a Sr., guard/forward, another returning starter and was 3.2 ppg and 2 rebounds last year.
Layla VanCulin is a Jr., forward returning starter and was the leading rebounder last year with 8 a game and 5 ppg. VanCulin give the Indians a physical presence in the paint.
Felicity Harbour is a Jr., forward who saw some action at varsity last year as a JV/V swing player.
Other players looking to add value are:
Rylee Hess is a So., guard seeing some action at the varsity level as a JV/V swing player.
Estie Rapp is a So., forward Saw some action at varsity last year as a JV/V swing player.
Mya Denlinger is a Fr., guard and will look to provide minutes and contribute.
Mia Szakal is a Fr., guard/forward and another incoming young player looking to contribute.
For Coach Landis this will be a season of becoming familiar with coaches and school in the WOAC and their programs while she looks to build hers at Newton.
“This first year will involve of lot of learning and growth, both with the players and myself. Our focus will be on implementing a new system, establishing standards and expectations. Defense will be key, with emphasis on box outs, intensity, and energy. While we return 4 varsity players, the team overall is younger and does not bring a lot of on-court experience at the varsity level,” Landis stated.
When asked about the league and top teams she said. I am not as familiar with all the teams, but I know Tri-Village and Arcanum usually bring solid squads each year. I look forward to getting to know the conference, coaches, and teams,” she added.
“I am excited to be at Newton and to excited get started,” Landis concluded.
