Ohio Girls Set To Defend National Championship Title

CLEVELAND - Last year, thanks to overlapping competition schedules, only half of the team was present for the first few games of pool play.

But Team Ohio was able to capture the 1998 AAU Junior Olympic championship in Hampton Roads, Va.

For the University Hospitals Health System 1999 AAU Junior Olympic Games, two returning members of the championship team are together again. With a new supporting cast and are ready to defend their national title.

Center Becky Richter, 17, of Columbus, Ohio, and guard Beth Howe, 16, of Jackson, Ohio, will have to work extra hard for a gold medal without the help of teammate Catie Matter, of Bluffton, Ohio. The 1998 Games girls' basketball MVPis unable to play in Cleveland because of a torn ACL.

"I think that we've got a good chance - we're more prepared this year," said Richter.

Not only do the girls have a tradition to uphold, but playing on their home turf adds to the desire for victory. After travelling to compete in tournaments in Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma, Michigan, Indiana and Alabama, lacing up in Cleveland is a pleasant change.

"It's different to be here. We've been travelling the whole summer," said Cleveland native Alison Lipinski.

Lipinski, 17, Karyn Woloszynek, 17, of Garfield Heights, Ohio, and Barbara Turner, 15, of Cleveland will be readjusting to memories of competing against each other in district championships. All three girls are lifelong Cleveland natives.

"It's nice (to play together), something different. We are usually ranked first and second, so we don't see each other to the finals," said Turner.

Playing together under coach Ron Conner, of Logan, Ohio, Team Ohio's first game of the tournament will be against Lady Mac Magic, of Indiana, at 2:30 p.m. July 28, at Strongsville High School.

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