Conference: 1A-2 South
Coach: Amy Gentry (eighth year)
Last year’s record: 24-8 (Regular season and district tournament champions. Eliminated by Wonderview in the first round of the region tournament.)
Returning starters: Haley Delk, a 5-7 senior, is the only returning starter and will be counted on to lead a shorthanded staff. She played the post position last season, but will be asked to be more of a utility player this season. “With my numbers this year, she will be more of a forward-guard,” Gentry said. “She will have to do a little bit of everything this year for me.”
Best inside players: Amber England, a 5-8 senior, was a reserve last year, but played several minutes last season; Jenny Bittle, a 5-8 senior, didn’t play last season, but saw action as a sophomore; Karissa Passmore, a 5-6 junior; and Delk.
Best perimeter players: Delk; Bethany Branscum, a 5-5 senior, who didn’t play as a junior, will be the leading point guard and the primary ballhandler; Keeleigh Davis, a 5-5 junior; Whitney England, a 5-4 junior; and Brooke Waters, a 5-2 sophomore, will provide support.
How will you match/exceed/fall short of your success from last year? “We only have eight to play with, so I don’t think we will be as strong as we have been in the past in the conference,” Gentry said. “This is a rebuilding year, but I think we will compete for the conference and district title.”
Gentry added that she expects Midland will still be tough opponent because last year’s conference runner-up has several returning starters. She also said Concord and South Side Bee Branch will be tough as well and she can’t overlook the other conference members -- Shirley, Rural Special and Timbo.
Strengths of team: Gentry said that despite the short roster, she’s pleased with the players she has. “They all have good attitudes. We have just one returning starter and three girls that will get minutes. They all have a good work ethic.”
Weaknesses of team: Again, the 8-girl roster is the primary concern. There were 12 players on the team last season. “With eight players, obviously, we have a lack of depth. We will have to change our philosophy because we used to be a fast-paced team, but we will have to slow it down this year to keep our legs,” Gentry said. She also mentioned a lack of experience could be a liability.
Games to watch: Concord and Midland. “Midland is tough, and Concord, because it’s so close, is always a rivalry game,” Gentry said.
Toughest opponent: “I think all of our conference games will dogfights. We will have to play ball from start to finish to win any games in conference,” Gentry said.
College prospects: Gentry said she has several players with potential to play at the next level, but didn’t mention individuals.