Posted by Beth Seibert
WLIO Sports Director Jayson Geiser moderated the annual girls high school basketball preview.  Four local coaches joined us virtually.
Vince Halliday, Coach of the Lima Senior Spartan Girls spoke about the season starting Saturday and featuring a good group of experienced players and four seniors. COVID tracing has limited all players at practices, so Vince was looking forward to a full practice today – the first time in two weeks. He spoke about developing the younger class members, still figuring out where to place younger players in this new season and adjusting his style of play. Their scrimmage with Spencerville told him a lot about his team.
 
Greg Ekis is the Spencerville Bearcats Coach and starts the year with some very experienced players, despite losing some talent with last year’s graduating class. Greg recognizes some great ability, depth of talent and leadership among the younger players. Two sophomores will see considerable play this year. He spoke of their scrimmage schedule being tough and challenging and how many games are outside the NWC in the WBL. Greg sees a major key to staying healthy and be well prepared for each and every game. His seniors are focused on capturing top NWC honors at the end of the season.
 
Nate Stant is the Delphos St. Johns Blue Jays Coach and he is blessed with six returning seniors who came in when he did. He likes this fun group of athletes who not only lead well on the court, but also in the school, the church, and the community. Scrimmaging top teams like Lima Senior, Anna and Ottawa Glandorf have allowed them to learn much and be challenged in the preseason. They are in the MAC but playing a number of games with NWC opponents. Nate is hoping that since they can’t fill the gym on game nights that the community will join them and cheer them on virtually.
 
Perry Commodores Coach John Berens is starting his season with four returning seniors. Unfortunately, another senior is already out due to a preseason injury. He has 16 girls total in his program this year – twelve are freshman and sophomores. This is the largest team he has had come out for basketball, so he is planning to also play a full JV schedule. John spoke of the excitement among his team members and within the high school for these athletes and the season. He had the pleasure to watch two of his girls perform in Cross Country this fall.