Tech girls hoop ready to make strides

Last season was one that didn?t go the way that the Lynn Tech girls? basketball team hoped.
Under new coach Kaitlin Wechsler, the Tigers came out of the gates slowly. They made strides as the season progressed it all added up to a 2-18 final record.
Now with a solid core of returning players for Wechsler?s second season, Tech hopes that it can make some noise beginning tomorrow night at St. Clement?s in their season opener.
The Tigers won just two games a year ago but return a good core of upperclassmen that want to take the next step.
?The girls are really working hard and I think that we definitely are going to have a better season than last year,” Wechsler said.
Leading the returning players for Tech is senior forward Brianna Brangman, someone whom Wechsler sees as the epitome of what her team will need.
?Brianna just loves basketball,” Wechsler said. “She will do whatever it takes for us to win. Offensively, she?s all about driving to the basket.”
One spot where Tech has plenty of depth is in the backcourt as a handful of players will divvy up the minutes.
Leading the way is junior point/shooting guard Lila Nieves. After seeing plenty of time as a sophomore, Nieves has improved her game and is expected to be the on-court leader for Tech.
Joining her at the point will be sophomore Jamila Constantine.
?Jamila knows the game really well,” Wechsler said. “She is a strong offensive threat and is all over the place on defense. She will be very important for us to be successful.”
Another senior guard is Jenny Chin, who spent her summer playing on AAU teams to improve her game. When it comes to locking up on the defensive end, Wechsler will look to another senior in Miriamny Jimenez.
?(Jimenez) can be all over the ball,” Wechsler said. “She is a defensive force. That will be her role.”
The other returnee is sophomore AnnMarie Texeira, who can be a force on the glass and paint at both ends of the floor.
With so many returning players, Wechsler sees no reason why the Tigers can?t make a big step forward.?We have a really nice core group that played all summer and worked hard to get better,” Wechsler said. “It?s been nice to be a part of them working hard because they want to see some changes.”