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Reigning HVAL Champs Welcome New Faces                   

There are a lot of question marks Mike Duignan faces as he returns to the bench for his third year as the head coach of Harvey's girls varsity basketball team. Coach Duignan won’t have to go it alone, however. He’ll have first-year assistant Hannah Paul alongside him to help sort things out. In addition to evaluating the skills of each new player, the coaches will need to figure out the starting five, who’ll be first off the bench, and who plays where.

Lost to graduation last June were the team's top two scorers, McKensi Forde and Fernanda Alexandre, dynamic offensive players who helped lead the Cavaliers to their second consecutive HVAL championship last winter. Returning this year, however, is HVAL All-League player junior Peyton Forde, last year’s third leading scorer who averaged almost 12 points per game. As the team’s point guard again this season, Forde will run the offense on the court. “The team will feed off Peyton’s experience, enthusiasm, and leadership,” Coach Duignan said.

Also returning are two sophomore guards, Sarah Fisher and Lainey Hanson. “Sarah is a reliable shooting guard and forward while Lainey has great speed and will supply athleticism and energy,” Coach Duignan said. “Both display quiet leadership, leading by example,” he added.

Coach Duignan says the squad will also feature several girls who played on the JV last season along with a few newcomers to the Harvey basketball program.

With key questions remaining to be answered, Coach Duignan knows one thing for sure. “We are a young team with limited experience, but we’re eager to learn, and we will grow together as we get to know each other,” he said.

As far as considering the prospects for the upcoming season, Coach Duignan admits that with the team’s lack of varsity experience, “They’ll have their share of growing pains early in the season.” He said, “Our team’s goal will be to continue to work hard as we gain experience. That will lead to the team gaining more confidence, and that will lead to everyone having more fun. When you’re having fun, and your confidence is high, you play to your maximum potential. I’m looking forward to the journey.”

The Harvey girls tip off their season Wednesday, Dec. 4, when they welcome The Hopkins School to the Fenstermacher Athletic Center at 4:30 p.m.