WB6 Capsules from QC Times

BIG SIX CAPSULES

Alleman

COACH: Jay Hatch (22nd year, 426-239)

LAST YEAR: 14-17 overall, 5-5 Big Six (4th), lost in regional semifinals

RETURNING STARTERS: Izzy Anderson, 5-7, sr., G (9.9 ppg, 2.3 apg, All-WB6); Daria Guzzo, 5-11, sr., C (6.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg)

PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Cassie Wales, 5-3, jr., G; Meaghan Verstraete, 5-6, jr., G; Anna Noe, 5-10, jr., F/C

OUTLOOK: The Pioneers, who have 12 multi-sport athletes on their roster, will be a work in progress as the season progresses and will lean upon the experience of Anderson and Guzzo.

Galesburg

COACH: Evan Massey (36th year, 799-300)

LAST YEAR: 17-15 overall, 4-6 Big Six (5th), lost in regional finals

TOP RETURNERS: Sabrina Clay, 5-9, sr. (11.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg, All-WB6); Shayli Florine, 6-1, jr. (9.7 ppg, 8.2 ppg, All-WB6); Casey Williams, 5-8, sr. (5.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg)

PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Kaylah Townsell, 5-5, so.; Saige Milroy, 5-7, so.; Hannah Huppenbauer, 6-1, fr.; Emily Meinert, 5-11, fr.

OUTLOOK: With seven regulars from last year’s rotation back, including two top scorers and rebounders, the Silver Streaks will look to improve on their worst finish in the Big Six since 1986.

Moline

COACH: Steve Ford (16th year, 324-151)

LAST YEAR: 20-11 overall, 7-3 Big Six (2nd), lost in sectional semifinals

RETURNING STARTERS: Hannah Ford, 5-7, sr., G (6.0 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.8 apg); Hailey Cook, 5-10, sr. F (10.9 ppg, 4.3 rpg); Lexie Gerard, 6-2, jr. C (6.4 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.5 bpg)

KEY CONTRIBUTORS: Alyssa Brems, 5-7, sr., G; Stephanie Hay, 5-2, sr., G; Payton Hostens, 5-7, sr., F

OUTLOOK: The Maroons advanced farther in the postseason than any other Big Six team last year and return a veteran group that has skilled players in the post and on the perimeter.

Quincy

COACH: Brad Bergman (1st year)

LAST YEAR: 0-23, 0-10 Big Six (last), lost in regional semifinals

RETURNING STARTERS: Reagan Wellman, 5-8, sr., G; Casey Kelley, 5-9, jr., G; Tiara Edwards, 5-10, so., G/F; Ashley Doellman, 5-6, sr., G

PROMISING NEWCOMERS: Bre Bordewick, 5-6, fr., G; Cita Cortese, 5-3, so., PG; Mikayla Robbins, 5-7, so., G/F; Sidney Heck, 5-9, so., G/F

OUTLOOK: The Blue Devils have lost 27 straight games dating back to the 2012-13 season and were outscored by an average of 43 points per game last year, but with a new coach and a young roster, Quincy is eager to turn over a new leaf and become competitive in the Western Big Six.

Rock Island

COACH: That Hoover (7th year, 108-61)

LAST YEAR: 19-9 overall, 8-2 Big Six (1st), lost in regional semifinals

RETURNING STARTERS: Mercedes Jackson, 5-10, sr., F (11.9 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.1 spg, All-WB6); Mariah Hoover, 5-7, jr., G (5.4 ppg, 2.6 spg); Morgan Twing, 5-5, sr., G (4.7 ppg, 1.2 spg)

KEY CONTRIBUTORS: Cynthia Myers, 5-6, sr., F; Annika Anderson, 5-9, jr., G; Justice Edel, 5-5, so., G

OUTLOOK: The three-time defending Big Six champion Rocks return 11 letterwinners, including two-time all-conference forward Mercedes Jackson, but will be looking for a new identity in some aspects after graduating some key offensive players.

United Township

COACH: Justin Shiltz (6th, 95-61)

LAST YEAR: 20-10, 6-4 (3rd), lost in regional finals

RETURNING STARTERS: Tayler Walker, 5-7, sr. G (14 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.1 apg, 3.2 spg, All-WB6); Jada Harris, 5-10, jr., F (12 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.4 apg, 3.7 spg, All-WB6); Sadie Roberts, 6-0, sr., F (9.0 ppg); ShaTavia Lowery, 5-7, sr., G (9.9 ppg)

KEY CONTRIBUTORS: Baylee Burklund, 5-9, sr., F; Taylor May, 5-8, jr., F; Kaitlyn Markin, 5-9, so., G; Ryleigh O’Brien, 5-11, fr., F

OUTLOOK: The Panthers return four starters and five of six rotation players from last year’s team that was third in the conference. With added depth and two all-conference players, UT hopes to contend for its first conference crown since 2012.

— Matt Dahlseid