Saline Aims to Combine Shooting and Size for Big Year

Saline is entering the 2025-26 season with an exciting mix of seasoned players and fresh talent ready to make an impact. Last year's squad showed promise, but this year's Hornets add more length, versatility, and post presence to an already potent lineup of shooters. With a team anchored in strong core values and a commitment to growth, they're poised to challenge opponents on both ends of the floor. Expect a fast-paced, dynamic brand of basketball as Saline works to build chemistry, maximize its talent, and make a statement in a tough SEC and Washtenaw County league.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/11/image_7b0928.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1358382" /></figure>   Returning Players:   Seniors:   [player_tooltip player_id='502307' first='Keira' last='Roehm'] 5'8" CG   [player_tooltip player_id='983625' first='Ayla' last='Stager'] 5'11" G/F   Megan Sweet 5'11" PF   Juniors:   [player_tooltip player_id='751146' first='Harper' last='Backus'] 6'2" C   Ava Nowatzke 5'7" G/F   Sophomores:   [player_tooltip player_id='933469' first='Halle' last='Powell'] 5'9" CG   [player_tooltip player_id='980243' first='Myla' last='Talladay'] 6'0" G/F   Returning Starters    "Saline returns two of its leading scorers from last year in Senior Guard, [player_tooltip player_id='502307' first='Keira' last='Roehm'] (19 ppg), and Sophomore Guard, [player_tooltip player_id='933469' first='Halle' last='Powell'] (10 ppg). With the powerful drives and athleticism of Halle, and the sweet stroke from 3 from Keira, this backcourt will prove tough to defend. Their games really compliment each other and they can play off each other well. Keira and Halle are both two way players that will set the tone for us at the defensive end of the court as well. And, both have significantly upped their games in preparation for this season after putting in a lot of work. [player_tooltip player_id='502307' first='Keira' last='Roehm'] will also provide strong senior leadership for us and will play at Wayne State University for her collegiate career." - Coach Roehm     "Saline returns two of its leading scorers from last year in Senior Guard, [player_tooltip player_id='502307' first='Keira' last='Roehm'] (19 ppg), and Sophomore Guard, [player_tooltip player_id='933469' first='Halle' last='Powell'] (10 ppg). With the powerful drives and athleticism of Halle, and the sweet stroke from 3 from Keira, this backcourt will prove tough to defend. Their games really compliment each other and they can play off each other well. Keira and Halle are both two way players that will set the tone for us at the defensive end of the court as well. And, both have significantly upped their games in preparation for this season after putting in a lot of work. " - Coach Roehm     "[player_tooltip player_id='983625' first='Ayla' last='Stager'] returns after leading our team in rebounding for the last 2 years. Ayla is that stopper that is the anchor of our defense and her length and ability to take the ball to the rim off the bounce will be key for our team." - Coach Roehm    Keira, Halle, and Ayla all earned All Conference and All Area Honors last year and will bring much experience and leadership to the floor.   Returners with Big Roles    "[player_tooltip player_id='751146' first='Harper' last='Backus'] is poised to have a statement year. After sitting last year, Harper is ready to take on the world by storm. She is a strong finisher that actively seeks post position and goes hard after rebounds." - Coach Roehm     "[player_tooltip player_id='980243' first='Myla' last='Talladay'] is a sophomore that has really taken off in the off season. She has a sweet stroke from 3 and is a talented shot blocker." - Coach Roehm    "Megan Sweet is a senior and 3 year varsity player that brings a rebounding presence, fuels our offense with her ability to set screens, and grounds us with vocal leadership in the locker room. Ava Nowatzke is a junior that has really developed a high IQ for the game and brings a ton of energy, enthusiasm, and toughness to the gym." - Coach Roehm   Coach's Comment   With a mix of talented, experienced players and an injection of exciting new talent, the Hornets will be a fun team to watch this year! Always anchored in our Core Values - Fiercely United, Intentionally Inspired, and Gratitude - this is a group of women that is a pleasure to be around. They are one of the kindest and most dedicated groups I have worked with. While we still have many talented shooters ready to knock down the 3, this year we add lots of length, versatility and post presence. The combination of our ability to draw attention in the paint combined with our 3 point shooting, this team is going to be tough to defend. With almost every member of our team taking on a much bigger role than last year in a tough league like the SEC and in a very talented Washtenaw county, we still have lots of growth we need to make in order to accomplish what these girls have set their minds to achieve. One thing is for sure, with this group of women, we are only going to get better! I expect this team to make great gains over the course of the season as our team works towards building chemistry everyday.

Saline is entering the 2025-26 season with an exciting mix of seasoned players and fresh talent ready to make an impact. Last year's squad showed promise, but this year's Hornets add more length, versatility, and post presence to an already potent lineup of shooters. With a team anchored in strong core values and a commitment to growth, they're poised to challenge opponents on both ends of the floor. Expect a fast-paced, dynamic brand of basketball as Saline works to build chemistry, maximize its talent, and make a statement in a tough SEC and Washtenaw County league.