W.VA. PREP BASKETBALL PREVIEW: Brock Melko Pleased With Focus of His John Marshall Girls Squad

GLEN DALE -- When John Marshall girls' basketball coach Brock Melko went to his first practice in mid-February, he felt extra excited. And why wouldn't he be? After all, when he went there, it was one step closer to having a season in 2021.

The positive energy was also in his players.

"Just going to practice that first day, I had a little pep in my step and you could tell all the girls felt the same way," Melko said. "It was just a feeling of relief more than anything. Just glad to be there, glad to see each other and glad to be able to do what they want to do, finally."

The Monarchs finished the 2019-20 season with a record of 10-15 and fell to University in the West Virginia Class AAA Regional Co-Final.

John Marshall will also be without its leaders from last season in twins Abby and Anna Blake who graduated.

"They were our unquestioned leaders and pretty much set the tone every practice and every game of showing up and playing hard," Melko said of the twins.

"They knew the things that were expected of them and they kind of carried that to the rest of the team. We're still kind of in the process of looking for more leaders to step up."

Justice Fincham also picked up her diploma.

"We have a nice blend of returning players mixed with some younger players," Melko said. "We have three seniors, three juniors, three sophomores and a freshman. I've really been pleased with our focus and I think just their appreciation just to be able to be there and their appreciation for playing is obvious."

The projected starters for the Monarchs are seniors Lakyn Groves and Madge Lucey; juniors Landyn Helms and Catherine Hunnell and sophomore Lilie Babiczuk.

Melko is expecting Groves to have a big year.

Lucey, is a player Melko described as a 'do-it all type player. "She's one of best defenders, passers and our best rebounder. She does a bunch of little things that add up to wins," Melko said."

Hunnell is the leading returning scorer for the Monarchs as she averaged over 11 points per game last season.

"She's really evolved her game since her freshman year," Melko said. "She came in as a freshman and played some varsity. She had a good year, but she was pretty much just a scorer and her game has really evolved these last few years.

"She's stepped up rebounding-wise, putting in more effort defensively, so she's coming into her own which is nice to see."

Helms, who started most of the year in 2019-20, will be the starting point guard.

Babiczuk will start at center.

"She's improved more than anybody," Melko said of Babiczuk. "She gets a lot of rebounds, scores well under the basket and is really easy to coach and she should have a breakout sophomore year."

The impact substitutes for the Monarchs will be senior Josie Whorton, sophomore Sybil Willis and freshman Kayli Derrow.

Junior Lauren Tekely and sophomore Michaela Kobasko could see varsity minutes in 2021.

"When we went over our goals, our No. 1 goal was to improve our win-loss record," Melko said. "Obviously with less games, we have to look at percentages.

"We're going to try to hopefully make some improvements there and get better every day as long as we can be there every day. Just appreciate the time we have, hopefully see some improvement and be playing our best ball at tournament time."

Melko is assisted by Curt Mele and Beth Blake.

"We really emphasized in creating our own energy," Melko said. "Not knowing with home games or away games what the crowd is going to be like. We've really been talking to them and coaching them in creating our own energy. Not just the five girls on the court, but everyone of us for JV and varsity. We really focused on getting these girls talking, getting them to encourage each other. Our big buzz words have been, 'Create your own energy.' I'm hoping if we can set that tone in practice, then maybe if we are limited fans during games, it won't be as affected as much."