Bartlett girls basketball: On the rebound

Last season didn’t end as planned for Bartlett’s girls basketball team, first with a loss to York in the regional championship. Then after the season, an eligibility infraction cost the Hawks all of their 17 wins.

But with a host of players returning from last year’s team, the Hawks are poised to erase the unpleasant memories of last year and move on to bigger and better things.

“We are very athletic with a lot of returning varsity experience,” head coach Denise Sarna said.

Seven of the 11 players on the roster received extensive playing time last season. Three starters — Nicole Beck, Christina Carlson and Jacki Gulczynski — return.

Gulczynski averaged 15 points, 9.5 rebounds and shot 54.8 percent last year and was a Press Publications all-area selection.

Gulczynski, who also plays volleyball and softball at Bartlett, put in some intense work in the offseason to improve.

“I wanted to expand my game,” Gulczynski said. “I took a lot of shots. A lot of form shooting.”

Gulczynski already had a soft touch and good range; her offseason work can only make her a more well-rounded player for the Hawks to build around.

“I believe we will be balanced and have many contributions from many different players each night,” Sarna said, “But Jacki Gulczynski is our top player.”

Gulczynski may be the cornerstone, but that deep and talented roster is something not many other teams possess. Juniors Beck and Carlson (who was slowed by injury last season) and sophomores Janessa Baker, Kristin Conniff, Katie Gutzwiller and Haley Videckis will be once again be part of the rotation. But that’s not all.

“There are other players challenging (to play) and will make contributions,” Sarna said. “We will have lots of looks on offense and defense due to our versatility in our line up.”

The young Hawks showed improvement throughout last season, and those trials by fire in game action should only help them as the 2009-10 season tips off.

“The girls have played together, and against many good teams,” Sarna said. “I think they should be very confident in their abilities.”

“I’m so excited for this season,” Gulczynski said. “I think we’re a very athletic team, but I think we’re going to be underrated as a team.

“I think we had some success last year, but with the way the season ended I don’t think a lot of people are looking to us to be a powerhouse. I think we can surprise some people.”

AT A GLANCE
Conference Upstate Eight
Home court 701 Schick Road, Bartlett
2008-09 record 0-28
Coach Denise Sarna

Top returners
Nicole Beck               jr.    G
Christina Carlson       jr.    F
Kristin Conniff          so.    G/F
Jacki Gulczynski         jr.    F
Katie Gutzwiller        so.    G
Nicolette Gutzwiller    sr.    F
Haley Videckis           so.    F

Promising newcomers
Janessa Baker       so.    G
Taylor Builox          jr.    F
Briana Kulbeda       jr.    F
Lisa Palmer           so.    F

KEY GAMES
Nov. 17 at York Season opener against team that ended Hawks’ season last year
Dec. 3 vs. Waubonsie Valley Home opener comes against UEC contender
Feb. 6 at Geneva Test against 2008-09 state finalist; three days later Hawks face Becca Smith and South Elgin