Mike DeStazio will look to keep his undefeated record intact when his Genoa Comets travel to Toledo Christian on Thursday night.  Both teams are coming off of 15-7 seasons a year ago, second place finishes in the SLL and TAAC respectively, and are looking to win league championships this season.

“We are on target of where we want to be.  Right now, even though it is still early, we are right where I want to be.  And a win against Toledo Christian would be huge,” says the unbeaten DeStazio.

Genoa, winners of seven straight to begin the season, is racking up wins with a healthy mix of good perimeter and post play and the Comets will have to continue that against Toledo Christian.  The Eagles' style of play is similar to Genoa's and both teams are loaded with seniors.

“Toledo Christian has good size,” says DeStazio.  “They are a big team and are athletic.”

Julie Swartmiller, one of seven seniors and ten returning letter winners for the Comets, has been a key contributor for Genoa the past three seasons and will have to play a major role if Genoa wants to beat Toledo Christian on the road.  Swartzmiller is stingy on defense and the speedy guard isn't afraid of driving the lane and creating open shots for her teammates.  Swartzmiller led Genoa in scoring last season, posting 11.4 points per game.  Swartzmiller is scoring even more this season (averaging 12.4 points) and is adapting to Coach DeStazio's run-and-gun style of play.

Says DeStazio, “Julie is athletic and is very quick off the dribble; she is good.  She is a very skilled basketball player.”

Swartzmiller has been able to score from both the inside and outside, and has been able to get the ball inside to forwards Jessica Feller and Alysa Meis.  Coach DeStazio understands Meis and Feller will have to step up their games against Toledo Christian's 6-1 center Bethany Critchley and Katie Roose, the leading rebounder from Toledo Christian's district runner-up team a year ago.

“Critchley will be the best forward we have played up to date and may be the best we see all season.”

Meis and Feller, both 5-10 seniors, have been everything Coach DeStazio has expected this season and are considered double-double threats every night and will match up well against Toledo Christian in the paint.

Feller is averaging 12.4 points per game and has shown the ability out rebound her opponents, hauling in 11.6 boards a game.  Her physical presence in the paint, coupled with her shot blocking ability, will be needed to keep Critchley under control.

Meis provides Genoa with a second physical forward who can play terrific defense, rebound, and score.  Meis (10.2 ppg) has added to Genoa's balanced attack and is one three players scoring in double figures.  She is versatile and can work both inside and outside.

“Alysa is probably one of the most athletic kids I have ever coached.  For being 5’ 10’’, it is amazing what she can do,” says DeStazio, who coached at Woodmore from 1994-2003 before taking the job at Genoa this season.  “Alysa is effective both inside and out.  She creates a lot of mismatches.”

Genoa has also excelled on defense this season and has several other players who are terrific passers and defenders, opening things up for Swartzmiler, Feller, and Meis.

Bailee Adams has been blocking shots all season long and will be needed to keep Bethany Critchley from scoring and rebounding.  Adams will also be a good defensive matchup on Roose and gives Coach DeStazio another option down low.  “Jessica, Bailey, and Alysa match up well with anyone inside,” says DeStazio.  “Bailey is by far the most improved player on this team and gives me an added weapon in the paint.”

Senior Rachel Johnson has been an aggressive anchor for Coach DeStanzio on defense and is one of the keys for the Comets' transition game.  Although Johnson hasn't added much scoring, she leads Genoa with 23 steals.

“Rachel plays as hard as anyone on the team,” DeStazio says, “and our defense starts with her.”

Emily Mock will also be a weapon DeStazio can use against Toledo Christian.  Look for Mock to come off the bench and provide added scoring.

“Emily is terrific.  She has a beautiful shot and has been solid off of the bench,” says DeStazio.  “She may be one of the best shooters in the league.”

Toledo Christian has experience and like Genoa is both versatile inside and out.  These two teams have good guard play and are physical inside.  This game should be a real test for two teams looking to win league championships.  Genoa’s versatility and added depth from its role players should make things difficult for Toledo Christian.

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