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PLATTSBURGH — The Clinton Community College women's basketball team may not have as much depth as last year, but a combination of experience and playmakers makes this year's team well-rounded.

"I think we just have more experience all around even though we have a lot of first-year players — they played at quality schools, locally and in the city, and I think overall there's not just one person you have to be concerned to stop," Cougars coach Donna Dixon said of the 2009-10 squad.

Clinton C.C. opens the season at 2 p.m. today when it hosts Onondaga C.C.

The Cougars return two players from last year's team that went 9-16 — forward Sami Stoughton and guard Brittany Godreau. The two were named captains.

"They bring back experience, motivation, leadership and aggressiveness so we're looking forward to having those guys leading us this year," Dixon said.

Dixon said Stoughton, a Saranac native, gets the job done in the post because she works hard and boxes out "extremely well." Stoughton is also a smart player who knows the game. Godreau is a smart player like Stoughton and she reads defenses, makes adjustments well and has a "great outside shot."

The newcomers rounding out the starting five are guards Johni Rae Coryea, from Rouses Point, Andrea Garcia, of Brooklyn, and forward Shannon Nutbrown, of AuSable Forks.

Coryea played for Northeastern Clinton last year and the team advanced to the state final four. Coryea, a Champlain Valley Athletic Conference first-team selection, will start at the point for the Cougars.

"Last year we didn't have a true point guard, so it makes things a little easier," Dixon said.

Garcia is the team's best on-ball defender, Dixon said, who also has a great outside shot and can also penetrate well. Nutbrown is a forward who also has the ability to step outside and shoot from the perimeter. Dixon expects Nutbrown to be one of the team's top rebounders.

Jellisa Curry, from Jamaica, NY, is the only player on the roster taller than 6-foot. Curry, a 6-feet-3-inch center, has a lot of potential, but has never played organized basketball. Dixon said she will probably eventually become the team's top rebounder and is a very coachable player.

Carissa Fournia rounds out the forwards on the team. Fournia, who played at Saranac Central School last year, is an athletic defender who knows the game, Dixon said.

Guards Jenn Fountain, of Hermon, and Cassie Pfeiffer are both athletic defenders. Pfeiffer was a teammate of Fournia's at Saranac last year.

Guard Nikki Fountain, of Hermon-Dekalb, has a good shot, Dixon said, and will give the team good minutes off the bench.

Dixon said her team is going to be tough to guard because the Cougars have several players who have the ability to shoot from the outside, penetrate and pass. Nutbrown and Fournia are two post players who are also dangerous if they step out to the perimeter, offering a double threat.

Depth might be a concern this year, she said. Although their starters are experienced, Dixon said if certain players get in foul trouble, the backups aren't as experienced. For instance, if Coryea gets into foul trouble, the backup point guard won't be as game-tested.

"That's going to be a learning game, for sure," Dixon said.

2009-10 Roster

Name pos.Hometown

Carissa FourniaFSaranac

Sami StoughtonFSaranac

Johni Rae CoryeaFRouses Point

Cassie PfeifferGRedford

Jenn FountainGHermon

Shannon NutbrownF/GAuSable Forks

Andrea GarciaGBrooklyn

Brittany GodreauGChamplain

Nikki FountainGHermon-Dekalb

Jellisa CurryCJamaica, NY