Twin Lakes Girls Basketball Preview

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On guard

In seniors Morgan Gutwein and Chloe McAchren and junior Courtney Bowsman, there’s a lot of experience in the backcourt.

Bowsman enters her second year as the starting point guard, and the expectations of McAchren and Gutwein have been raised.

“Morgan and I have to work a little bit out of our comfort zone this year,” McAchren said. “(Brad) Bowsman is expecting a lot more out of us now that we’re seniors and have that four years of experience.”

Kaylee Bonnette played in 22 games last season, averaging better than one assist per game, and returns to provide guard depth.

Front line

Last year, the Indians relied on double-double threats Coryn Tirpak and Renae Cotner. Meanwhile, Laurhen Pickett was learning in her limited role. Pickett, a sophomore who averaged 5.1 points and 4.5 rebounds, now becomes the go-to post presence.

“We didn’t really see her full potential last year,” coach Brad Bowsman said of Pickett. “With her taking that main starting role as a post, we hope to see what she can really do.”

McAchren will be counted on for her strength and athletic ability in the post and could play any position from point guard to center.

Elizabeth Propes pulled down 41 rebounds in just 18 games and returns for much-needed physicality.

“Liz can get rebounds and that’s what we really need her for,” Gutwein said.

Key newcomers

Senior Morgan Michalski didn’t play basketball last year. She returns and will be a key player off the bench. Gabby Kendall got into seven games a year ago and will have an expanded role as a junior.

Aimee Dickson and Shelby Sturgeon also could see time off the bench.

Outlook

With several members of the Indians’ volleyball team also on the basketball roster, Twin Lakes hopes the transition is seamless.

“This year we went 23-10 in volleyball, probably our best record in six years,” Gutwein said. “We hopefully can carry that into basketball season.”

The Indians showed their potential last year by knocking off favored Benton Central in the sectional.

“Everyone’s goal is to win sectionals and do well in conference,” McAchren said.

Quick shots

Coach: Brad Bowsman (142-66 in 10th season)
2011-12 results: 11-12, lost to Western 58-28 in sectional championship
Conference: Hoosier
Sectional: Class 3A, Sectional 20
Sectional opponents: Benton Central (host), Maconaquah, Northwestern, Peru, Western, West Lafayette
Returning Stat
Leaders

Scoring: Chloe McAchren (9.2)
Rebounding: Laurhen Pickett (4.5)
Assists: Courtney Bowsman (2.7)
Steals: Bowsman (1.6)
Last season

Offensive average: 47.7
Defensive average: 50.1
A four-game losing streak late in the regular season eventually cemented the Indians’ first losing record since 2005-06, but Twin Lakes took a positive outlook into the offseason.
Chloe McAchren’s free throw with 2.8 seconds left spurred a 49-48 upset over fifth-ranked Benton Central in the opening round of the sectional. Three nights later, Twin Lakes defeated Northwestern and advanced tot he sectional championship game for the first time since 2009.
The win over the Bison also snapped a seven-game losing streak against their rivals.