'99-00 SCHEDULE

Dec. 3-4 -- at Erie East Tournament       6 -- at Sharon       8 -- at Hermitage       9 -- at Hubbard       13 -- at Quigley       15 -- Commodore Perry       18 -- at Sharpsville       20 -- Monaca Jan. 3 -- at Shady Side Academy       5 -- at Shenango       6 -- Sewickley Academy       10 -- at Western Beaver       13 -- Union       17 -- Laurel       20 -- Quigley       24 -- Neshannock       26 -- at Mohawk       27 -- at Monaca       31 -- Shady Side Academy Feb. 1 -- at West Middlesex       3 -- at Sewickley Academy       7 -- Western Beaver       10 -- at Union

By The Herald Sports Staff

Roshelle Green is used to winning. And that should prove beneficial down the road for the Farrell Steelerettes and their program.

When the second-year coach starred under Father Rick Tomasone at Kennedy Christian, the Lady Golden Eagles didn't lose often. And Green is hoping to infuse some of that same confidence and enthusiasm in the Steelerettes.

A year ago Green guided the Steelerettes to an 11-13 overall mark, but Farrell finished strong, winning six of its last eight games after starting the season 5-11.

The question will be whether Green and the Steelerettes, who were very young a year ago, can carry that momentum over to this season.

"They did finish very strong," said Green. "I don't think we were in good condition in December and they were just overwhelmed with everything I wanted to put in. They finally started getting comfortable with the stuff I was putting in and we had some sophomores who were nervous as they learned, but grew into their roles as the year went on."

Gone is leading scorer, 5-5 point guard LaShawnda Smith, who ripped the cords for 286 points. But other than Smith, Green returns the bulk of her scoring leaders.

"She was a leader," Green said. "Whenever we needed a score she was there. But I think she taught the seniors this year very well."

Among the leading returnees, all letterwinners and four of whom were starters, are: 5-7 junior shooting guard Sheena Matthews (233), senior 5-5 point guard Angie Santell (135), 5-8 junior forward Fontella Jones (127), 5-8 sophomore forward-guard Gena Elerby (113) and 5-9 senior forward Erin Houston (93).

In addition, 5-4 senior guard Keturah Chambers is back after not playing a year ago and Green said, "her presence in the gym is intense. She leads by example. In fact, all three of our seniors are good leaders."

With that nucleus and others Green is looking for a berth in the WPIAL playoffs. She reported the team had an excellent summer and attended their first camp at Lock Haven.

"They're very dedicated and working much better as a team," Green said. "And the one thing I've stressed, and they've responded to, is the intensity in practice."

Santell, Houston, Matthews and Jones were starters a year ago, but Green emphasized that "these kids have to earn their jobs again."

Other returning letterwinners are: 5-6 sophomore guard Jessica Brown and 6-3 junior center Wenci Ford.

Also dressing varsity are: 5-7 sophomore forward-guard Joni Gargano and 5-8 junior forward Ariel Stevenson.

"The main thing we're focusing on this year is taking better care of the basketball and so far this year we're doing that," Green said. "The second strong point for us has to be our defense and the intensity of the defense is picking up. They're grasping the Œhelp-side' defense and we're able to put a lot more in."

Assisting Green are junior varsity coach Ed Turosky and junior high coach JoAnn Sharper.

As for Section 1-A this year, Green said "it's going to be a battle."

She expects her Steelerettes, who finished fourth a year ago, to battle with last year's playoff qualifiers, Quigley, Sewickley Academy and Monaca for the league's three postseason berths.