Cedar Valley Christian pushing for stretch run, future

Ron Slagle has big dreams for the Cedar Valley Christian girls' basketball program, and he isn't afraid to share them.

'I think this team can win a (Tri-Rivers Conference East Division) title within two years,' he said. 'I see that as a viable goal.'

At first, that sounds like big, unsubstantiated talk. After all, Cedar Valley has never experienced a winning season, let alone contended for anything in its five-year ride as an IGHSAU-sanctioned program.

But despite a 5-9 record (1-6 in the division), there's legitimate reason for optimism, both for the remainder of this season, and for seasons to come.

After an 0-5 start, the Huskies have won the games they should win, and there are no more sure losses in the remaining seven contests.

'Our school record for wins is eight (last year), and we have a chance to surpass that,' Slagle said. 'We have a chance to win at least four or five more.'

Behind Shelby Hembera, Cedar Valley appeared poised for a breakthrough last season, starting 7-3. But she suffered a season-ending injury in the 11th game, and the Huskies faded.

Despite the string of lopsided losses, the experience gave the remaining Huskies an opportunity to play without reliance on Hembera (who averaged more than 30 points per game) and, thus, prepare for this season.

'Shelby was a unique player who could take over a game,' Slagle said. 'We counted a lot on her for the majority of our offensive production.

'The focus this year is to have five players on the floor that can be a scoring threat.'

It certainly helped that senior Candace Wilson joined the program this season. Wilson is averaging 16.7 points per game.

The next four in line in scoring — Molly Hembera, Maggie Cach, Emma Slagle and Elisabeth Fields — are sophomores. And though Coach Slagle is in his first year as the Huskies' head coach (he served as Craig Foote's assistant last year before Foote moved over to coach the CVCS boys), he is familiar with the sophomore nucleus, which he has mentored since they were in fourth grade.

It's the sophomores, and a promising group of eighth-graders, that has Slagle beaming about the program's future.

'We should be solid for years to come,' he said. 'Our numbers, hopefully, will get to the point in which we can field a JV team.'

Cedar Valley hosts Central City on Friday.

COUGARS, TIGERS MATCH 7-0 MVC MARKS

Cedar Rapids Kennedy and Cedar Falls will battle for the MVC Valley Division lead Friday at Cedar Falls.

Kennedy (14-1 overall, 7-0 MVC has won 14 consecutive games and is ranked No. 1 in Class 5A. Liberty University signee Lela Sellers is the leading scorer in the MVC at 20.3 points per game, while Sydney Hayden (12.8 ppg) is a prolific 3-point shooter.

Cedar Falls (12-1, 7-0) ended the Cougars' season in the regional finals last year. The Tigers have won five straight since suffering their lone loss (58-43, to Iowa City High in a non-conference game Dec. 18). Emma Gerdes leads the Tigers at 14.8 ppg.

Tipoff is 7:30 p.m.

l Comments: (319) 368-8857; jeff.linder@thegazette.com