Since first suiting up for Westlake’s varsity team as a freshman, gifted forward Courtney Duever has played a complementary role to 2009 graduate Caroline Durbin.

But now, the 6-foot-2-inch senior steps into the spotlight as the Chaps seek to build on last season’s success.

Duever had a tremendous junior season for Westlake, which compiled a 29-5 record and reached the second round of the playoffs for the first time since qualifying for the state tournament in 2003. She led the Chaps in scoring (14.3 points a game), rebounding (7.7) and blocks (52) while dominating the paint.

In a testament to her diverse skill set, Duever also paced Westlake in steals (125) and assists (56).

“She had a great year, and she can get even better,” Westlake coach Keith Smith said. “Courtney’s kept herself in really good condition, she’s learned to play physical without getting into foul trouble, and she’s become a real leader for our team.”

The development of a young backcourt also helped power Westlake to its best season in Smith’s five-year tenure. With a year of varsity experience behind them, junior Cherrell Mays and classmate Hannah Coley should only improve, said Smith.

“They’re both learning more and more,” he said. “I’m excited to see what they do this season.”

Mays, a physical point guard with a bulldog mentality on defense, averaged 9.2 points and 3.4 rebounds while starting as a sophomore. She’s improved her jump shot and will take on more of the scoring burden this season, said Smith.

Coley should also play a larger role in the offense once she recovers from an off-season knee injury, according to Smith. The best three-point shooter on the team a year ago, Coley also attacked the hoop with abandon while scoring 6.2 points on 47.7 percent shooting.

Forward Kayla Ball, the fourth returning starter for Westlake, provides a gritty complement to Duever and the playmaking pair of guards. Last season, she averaged 8.8 points a game without the benefit of set plays and pulled down 5.5 rebounds.

Because of their depth in the backcourt, the Chaps may run plenty of three-guard lineups around Ball and Duever, Smith said. Seniors Karlee Bell and Lauren Ambrose both received extensive playing time a year ago, and junior Rose Minutaglio is as quick as a blink with the ball.

“Rose is fun to watch,” Smith said. “I don’t think I’ve ever had someone that fast, so it’ll be exciting when she’s on the floor.”

Smith also said long-distance sniper Lindsey Harris will see plenty of action, along with 6-2 post Jackie Manzano, who will likely miss the first month of the season because of an injury.

Manzano’s return should coincide with the start of District 25-5A play, and Westlake will need its full arsenal if it hopes to compete for a district title. State-ranked Pflugerville returns a loaded squad, and Connally should contend under the guidance of former Westlake coach Laura Zouzalik.

“We’ll be in playoff mode almost every game in district,” Smith said. “We can’t relax at all, and that attitude can only help you come the playoffs.”

Westlake roster
No. Player Class Pos Hght
10 Lindsey Harris 10 G 5-7
11 Lauren Ambrose 12 G 5-3
12 Rose Minutaglio 11 PG 5-3
15 Ori Wright 11 G/F 5-8
20 Cherrell Mays 11 PG 5-6
21 Hannah Coley 11 G 5-6
22 Morgan Davis 11 F/P 5-9
24 Karlee Bell 12 G 5-4
30 Kayla Ball 12 G/F 5-10
34 Haley Roberts 11 G 5-5
40 Jamie Grace 10 P 6-1
45 Jackie Manzano 11 P 6-2
50 Courtney Duever 12 F/P 6-2