Shaker Heights losses Penn to graduation, but still has plenty of talent

Brian Lavrich/Sun News, December 03, 2009 10:12 a.m.

First-year coach Mike Coreno is very optimistic about the Raiders this season.

"We do have returning kids and I think we can compete for an LEL (Lake Erie League) and district title," Coreno said.

Last year Penn (6-foot-2) averaged 19.9 points, 12.6 rebounds and 3.8 blocks per game and earned a scholarship to the University of Illinois. She is one of four Raiders who graduated from last year's team.

This year, leading the way for the Raiders is Khadijah Young, a senior point guard, who is getting her own Division I college interest.

"She's quick, shoots the ball well and has great experience after starting last year," Coreno said. "She's played a lot of AAU ball.

"You have to have a point guard."

On the wing, Coreno will rely on Shelby Stokes, a junior.

"She can score," Coreno said. "She's very athletic."

Shaker Heights got a break when Jordyn Peck transferred to the school. The sophomore was a key contributor to Richmond Heights last year and should start for Shaker Heights.

"She can hit the 3 from anywhere on the floor," Coreno said. "She can handle the ball.

"Our one, two, three (Young, Stokes, Peck) look very strong."

Coreno added that seniors Brittany Rhim and Angel Akinkuoye should start in the post to fill out his starting five.

"They're good leaders," Coreno said.

Last year, Coreno coached at Cleveland Central Catholic.

"I liked it because it's an established Division I program," said Coreno of his interest in the job. "They've been very successful. I thought it was a good opportunity. I hope to continue where we're at now, or maybe go to the next level."

Another plus for Coreno is that he brought his entire staff from Central Catholic over to join him at Shaker Heights.

"What I'd like to do is play up-tempo," Coreno said. "And we want to play 10 kids.

"It will be challenging, but the kids work hard."

Shaker Heights next plays at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at Bedford.