Based on a couple things that happened over the weekend, the Greater Metro Conference race may include more than just preseason favorites Menomonee Falls and Divine Savior Holy Angels.
It looks like the talented Indians (3-1, 6-1) may be without the best player in the league (Janelle Gabrielsen) the rest of the way. The word going around the league this weekend is that Gabrielsen, who was suffering from what was believed to be shin splits, actually has fractures in her ankles, and will have surgery now so she will be able to honor her volleyball scholarship in the fall. The talented Indians will still be a force, but anyone missing a talent like Janelle is losing a lot.
DSHA (3-1, 6-3), the only team to beat the Indians, was stunned in overtime last Friday by a deep Brookfield East team (2-1, 4-4), that has balance, an excellent point guard (Vanessa Brown) and an improving 6-5 sophomore center by the name of Marley Blood. The Lady Spartans need to be more consistent to prove they are a threat, but by beating the deep and talented Dashers, show what they are capable of doing.
Meanwhile on the other side of Brookfield, Central played with seven players and beat West Allis Hale, and took over first place (3-0, 4-3) in the conference. There is no doubt that in Cara Lauritzen, Joana Bielefeld and Erin Lueder, that coach Dan Wandrey can call on three scorers who are averaging double figures. Plus Anna Butzlaff is a solid point guard and Jesse Thomas and Kate Sandstrom add some height to a good front line. The Lady Lancers are athletic, talented but in experienced, so a lot will depend on how fast they learn as the season goes on.
If anyone takes West Allis Central and Iesha Barkley (17.3) and Lauren Hibbard lightly, they will find themselves in for a long night.
And although Hamilton, West Allis Hale and Wauwatosa East has one conference win among them, the Chargers have four players scoring 7.0 or more points a game; the Huskies have sharp-shooting Emily Grayson and the Red Raiders have a solid 1-2 punch in Margaret Panter and Hannah Weinberg-Kinsey, both averaging over 8.0 ppg.
The GMC race may indeed turn into a race with more than two horses.
If you agree or not, don't be afraid to leave a comment.
And always, remember, be a hit and have a ball!
