Hazel Park High girls basketball brings youth and size to the court By Christian Davis HAZEL PARK — Hazel Park High girls basketball coach Jennifer Berrios is pulling back the reins a bit this season. In the past, the coach favored the run-and-gun approach, having her squad run the floor and bring relentless pressure on the defensive end. But this season, the Vikings’ makeup is different. Instead of being undersized and guard heavy, Hazel Park now boasts a lineup that is capable of owning the boards and contesting every shot. “It’s going to be tough. I love to press and man-to-man defense, but I have to play what the team dictates,” Berrios said during practice Dec. 1. “I think it’ll take a little bit of time, but we’ll make the adjustment. “It’s going to be different for me, but that’s what coaches do. I look forward to the challenge, and I think it’s going to work out well for us.” Along with height, the Vikings also have youth, as just two returning starters — seniors Carmen Diaz and Stephanie Jentzen — and four total with varsity experience are back. “My seniors last year, I really can’t say enough about them and the leadership that they brought to the team. We have a lot of JV kids joining the team. I think the chemistry is going to take a little time,” Berrios said. “I think we’re going to get beat up a little bit early, but I think we’ll improve during the season.” Diaz, a guard, is in her third year on varsity. After averaging 14 points per game a year ago, she is the team’s top returning scorer. Jentzen averaged eight points and eight rebounds per contest a year ago, and is expected to be the Vikings’ top post player. “We just have to finish,” Jentzen said of when the other post players get the ball in the paint. “When you get the ball, put it up, and hopefully, it goes in.” Along with their scoring, Berrios said, the veterans are also being leaned on for leadership. “They’re going to lead the components of really our whole team — defensively, playing time, leadership, teaching (teammates) what they need to do and being an example,” the coach said. “We know all the plays and how everything works,” Jentzen said. “So hopefully, we can pass that down.” “We’re definitely going to be competitive. The good news is that we don’t hit a lot of the league games early,” she said. “I don’t know where we’re going to sit, but we’re one of the top teams for sure.” Catch the Vikings against Royal Oak High at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at home. You can reach Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1062.
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