The Lady Wreckers welcome a new head coach in Kevin Kringe, who jumped on the opportunity quickly. Upon hearing about the chance to coach basketball in the area, the Hazleton native's excitement proved obvious, as he moved in to take on the challenge of directing the Weatherly girls' basketball team.

Kringe served as an assistant basketball coach at Hazleton for 13 years, before coaching at Penn State University's Wilkes and Hazleton campuses for a year apiece. Those experiences carried him to this endeavour to direct a varsity high school program, that has the veteran coach excited, to say the least."I am absolutely excited to be coaching (at Weatherly)," Kringe mentioned. "There is definitely talent and I'm looking forward to seeing the girls develop."The Lady Wreckers are used to the adversity of dealing with a new coach, with Kringe being the third coach in the past three seasons (Paul Hadzick, Will Frantz). With some returning talent, along with a handful of newcomers, the athletes are ready to buy in to their new leader's hardwood ethics."The girls have done everything I've asked of them, and we're getting there," he stated. "But with the lack of experience that some of the players have, we need to work out some of the finer points and develop the fundamentals a bit before we can move to the next level."In terms of personnel, Kringe is optimistic, claiming, "We have a lot of girls that can play at multiple positions, and I see that as a good thing. They're a resilient bunch and they've been handling the stressful situations that I put them into in drills in practice. They've done everything I've asked of them and we're getting there, but I like what I've seen in the early-going."Individually, Kringe will look to Tea Heister (Sr., 5-2) to do the majority of the ball-handling at the point. According to the coach, "she's quick, aggressive and will bring the ball up the floor nicely. She's also a good on-the-ball defender."Kelly Parker (5-8), another senior, will also help out in the guard position and according to Kringe, "is a natural born scorer that knows how to get her shot off against defenders and possesses strong offensive maneuvers."Looking to the Wreckers' inside game, he plans to start Shelby Berger (Jr., 5-7). "She will be very instrumental in our pressure on defense, she has a good outside shot, and is also tall enough to battle inside, if needed."Lexi and Sammy Hartz will be rounding out the frontcourt near the beginning of the season for Weatherly, as Lexi (Jr., 5-8) is "stronger down low against defenders, has a good outside shot, and will also be the back-up point guard," according to Kringe. Meanwhile, Sammy Hartz (Sr., 5-10), "will be needed for her rebounding abilities, as she serves as the 'protector around the rim on defense, and could potentially be a strong inside force, as the season goes along."Looking to the bench, Kringe is delighted to have 5-9 senior, Jessica Polchin return, after an ACL injury a year ago limited her availability."I'm hearing that she was poised to be one of the best players on the team at the time of the injury, so I'm excited to have her back in the mix," he said.Junior Jackie Gillott (5-6), brings a lot of energy on both sides of the ball, and could create havoc on the defensive side of things, while 5-6 sophomore Tina Cavarella is "pretty athletic and a good shooter, as well."Throughout the pre-season, the Wreckers have plenty to work on. Much like any other program, Kringe is hoping his troop improves each week. "They're pretty 'green,' in terms of experience, and they're still trying to figure me out and vice versa," the new coach admits. "We see everyone in the league as tough this season, and we're aspiring to be like those other teams. We're just going to take small steps and try to take one step at a time."