Seasoned senior steps up to lead Westwood team

WESTWOOD -- Usually Westwood's girls' basketball team is filled with experience, with a group of seasoned seniors leading the starting lineup. This year there is just one -- Deanna Salter.

Still, Salter is convinced that this is a team that can compete among the area's best. But she realizes that her role as captain comes with even more responsibility to lead.

''I feel like I have to help" coach Bill Riley ''watch the girls and see what they can improve on," she said.

This is Salter's fourth year on varsity. The forward is one of two seniors playing this season and the only returning starter.

''We're as young as we've ever been at Westwood," Riley said. ''We've had so much success that this is kind of a new journey for us."

Westwood won back-to-back state titles in 2001 and 2002. Last season it came within a basket of reaching the Division 3 South quarterfinals. In 2004, Westwood claimed the Division 3 South Sectional title before being knocked off in the state semifinals.

Salter has been along for the ride since her freshman season. Throughout her Westwood career, she has grown accustomed to playing with the older players. That experience will, she expects, help her now; she can easily put herself in their shoes.

She also has leadership experience from another sport -- as captain on the volleyball team.

Salter considers volleyball to be her better sport, and she is hoping her skills will help her earn a scholarship. During her freshman year she was the captain on a team that won just one game. The group doubled its totals each season until it ended this season one victory shy of the playoffs.

Westwood is still waiting for its new gym to be completed. In the meantime, practices are held at the middle school and home games are held at area gyms. One downside of the arrangement is that assistant coaches are often dispatched elsewhere to coach younger players at the junior varsity level.

''I have a lot of confidence in the strength of our lineup," Salter said. ''We have a young team, but I feel like we'll be strong."

In the first game of the season, Westwood came away with the victory and had several players involved in the action.

The players are reminded that they need to cram a year and a half of experience into one season. That means more scrimmages and intense practices. They have to learn quickly how to play with one another.

Salter is excited about the group that will return next season. There is Paige Congdon at center, who uses her 6-foot frame to overpower opponents for rebounds. There is Cara Sweeney, a forward who is a fundamentally sound player.

Point guard Jill Greenberg can drive to the basket and is a defensive threat. Ashley Logan, a guard, can shoot and has quick hands. Alex Frank is a guard expected to provide both offensive and defensive help.

''The goal for this season is for everyone to get a chance and to feel like they contributed in some way," Salter said. ''At the end, I hope they can say, 'I really improved this season and stepped it up for next year.' "

Please send story suggestions to Monique Walker at mwalker@globe.com