By Denise Tucker
The Halfway High School girls’ basketball team is looking to continue building on the momentum it has gained in recent years.
In his first two years as the girls’ coach, Chandler Saultz has led the Lady Cardinals to nine wins in 2014-15 and 15 wins last season. Halfway also went 4-3 in the Polk County League for a fourth-place finish.
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“With lots of hard work, I think this team can compete for a district title,” said Saultz, who also coaches the Halfway boys’ team. “We have a good mixture of talent and experience that could lead us farther into the postseason this year.”
The Lady Cardinals lost guard Ashlee Spear, forward Sarah Hensley and center Emma Brand.
Spear, who was a first-team All-District and second-team All-Polk County Conference selection, was the team’s second-leading scorer and best free-throw and 3-point shooter. Her scoring and leadership will be missed, Saultz said.
Halfway does return 5-5 junior guard Rylee Stokes, who was a second-team All-District selection. Stokes averaged 9.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 3.2 steals per game last season.
Michaela Higginbotham, a 5-5 junior point guard and All-District Honorable Mention pick, averaged 8 points, 3.2 assists and 2.1 steals per game in 2015-16. Saultz describes Higginbotham as a “great ballhandler and on-ball defender with an incredible motor.”
Clarrisa Haun is a 5-10 junior post player who averaged 7.3 points and 3.6 rebounds, while Samantha Mayfield, 5-11 junior center/forward, added 2.1 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.
The Lady Cardinals are eager to get Nichole Hosiner back this year. Hosier, 5-6 junior, played in just 12 games last season, missing the majority of the season with an injury. “If she is healthy, she will help this team be very successful,” Saultz said.
Halfway also returns Rachel Cahoj, a 5-8 athletic sophomore guard and 5-4 left-handed sophomore forward Kamryn Vorris.
Saultz says newcomer Haley Payne is a “quick guard who continues to impress.”
