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--> --> Nov. 29: Santos has Grizz ready to go By Sarah Petersen Ashland Daily Tidings The Ashland girls basketball team has a new face leading the way into the 2001-02 season. First year head coach Stephanie Santos has taken over the reins from Heather Roberts who took a head coaching position in Lakeridge. Roberts, who left a program that she built from the ground up, including four straight appearances at the state tournament, left huge shoes for Santos to fill. "Philosophy wise, Heather and I have the same morals and values, but as far as the type of offense we run everything is different," Santos said. "This year we have changed everything, you name it it's different. Even our defense is different. Heather liked to run triangle, but this year we have eliminated it and are trying another type of offense. The girls seem to like the change. They have had to get the old system out of their heads and learn the new. But we all have a good time together." Santos will get her first shot at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Crescent Valley Tournament when the Grizzlies take on Corvallis - the team that knocked Ashland out of the state tournament last season. Santos, who was Roberts' assistant coach for three years, knows what it takes to be successful and hopes to carry on the tradition of strong Grizz basketball. "I have all the confidence in the world with these girls," Santos said. "They have the potential to do some really good things this season. I am trying to capitalize on their strengths and work with that. We'll be right in the thick of things this season." This year's roster is young and small. Only seven girls will be full-time varsity members and freshman point guard Alysse Carlson (5-5) will start for the Grizzlies. "She is really quick," Santos said. "She has a nice shot. She's young but she can handle the pressure. She has a big load this season but I have all the confidence in the world in her." Junior volleyball star Marla Morin (6-0) will take up the paint at the post position. "She is a really strong post," Santos said. "She is tough inside and has a nice outside shot. I need her in every game. I can't have her fouling out of any games. She has taken on a role as being one of the role models and carrying the load of leadership responsibility, and she has done a nice job." Also seeing plenty of action for the Grizzlies this season will be senior wing Abby Gooch (5-9), junior post Julia Sobolik (5-10) and sophomore wing Kate Morris (5-8). "These girls have all been working hard and are looking real good," Santos said. "They are playing strong and with confidence. All three of them will do some nice things for us this season." Sophomore wing Corey VanLandingham (5-9) and junior post Chloe Hansen (5-10) provide Santos with options. "These two girls will add to our team," Santos said. "They are good ball players and will see some good court time this season." Senior post Christina Kalemkeris will sit out this season with a knee injury she suffered during volleyball season. "We are really going to miss her," Santos said. "Even though she won't be playing this season she is still a part of this team and will sit with us on our bench and support us." Santos will be assisted by Ross Caldwell, while former SOU men's basketball player Jeff Fuller will handle the junior varsity team. "I am really anxious to play our first game," Santos said. "It seems like we have been practicing for so long. The girls are ready for some different competition. This tournament we are going to this weekend should be a lot of fun. It's tough to tell exactly how we will do, but I know that we'll work hard and have fun." Email your... Technical questions & comments to: WebMaster Daily Tidings editorial comments & questions to: Editor Visit our other Oregon Newspapers... | Albany Democrat-Herald | Ashland Daily Tidings | Corvallis Gazette-Times | | Lebanon Express | Newport News-Times | Springfield News | Cottage Grove Sentinel | Ashland Daily Tidings 1661 Siskiyou Blvd. Ashland, OR 97520 Telephone 541-482-3456 © Copyright 2001 Lee Northwest Publishing