By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
The Dowagiac varsity basketball team kicks off the 2005 season tonight as it hosts Berrien Springs and former coach Al Westendorp.
The Chieftains (6-21 in 2004) are looking to improve on last season's overall record.
While a former head coach returns to the sidelines in tonight's game, Dowagiac will have a new head coach patrolling its sideline.
Chieftain boys' basketball coach Greg Blomgren takes over the program, replacing Joe Spitale, who resigned after last season.
Blomgren inherits a wealth of talent and experience which he hopes he can turn into a consistent winner in 2005.
Dowagiac returns standout guards Katy Stuppy (sophomore) and Holly Lowe (junior).
Also back is senior Kim Luthringer, who will be looked to for interior defense and rebounding this season.
Our strengths are in our guard positions there is no doubt about it," Blomgren said. "Anytime you can bring back your No. 1 and No. 2 guards with a whole year's experience, it is definitely going to be beneficial. We need to get some scoring in the post and we need to rebound well."
Also back for the Chieftains are Amy Wood, Becky Cleveland, Sarah Ostyn and Jolynn Hawkins.
Dowagiac dropped a 47-35 decision to the Lady Shamrocks last season.
After both teams scored eight points in the first quarter, Berrien Springs outscored Dowagiac 39-27 in the final three periods, including 11-5 in the pivotal third quarter.
Stuppy led Dowagiac with 12 points, while Luthringer added four points.
The freshmen will get the evening started at 4:15, while the junior varsity is scheduled to begin at 5:45.
The varsity contest is slated for 7:30 p.m.
Dowagiac will also be in action on Thursday as it hosts Paw Paw in another non-conference tripleheader.
The freshman game will begin at 4:15 p.m.