By Denise Tucker
The Hermitage Lady Hornets lost just one starter and two letterwinners from a team that fell in the district finals and went 22-6 last season, with a 5-2 finish in the Polk County League.
Hermitage got to the district final before falling to Wheatland, and looks to get back this year.
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The Lady Hornets are led by coach, and Hermitage Athletic Director, Shane Salmon, who is 235-215 at Hermitage and 262-250 for his career.
Forward Cheyanna Jennings was an All-PCL and All-District Honorable Mention selection from last season. The Lady Hornets lose a good rebounder and inside scorer, as well as a leader on and off the floor with the loss of Jennings.
Kendra Owens, hampered by injuries, will be missed because of her work ethic and positive attitude, Salmon said.
The good news for the Lady Hornets is that they return four starters, led by all-conference and all-district first-team pick Sadi Hostettler and Sheridan Corum, an all-conference first-teamer and all-district second-team selection.
Hostettler, a 5-foot-9 junior point guard, averaged 13.1 points per game, 8.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2 steals. Corum, a 5-7 junior guard, is a good 3-point shooter and solid defender who averaged 14.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 4.6 steals per game.
“Sadi and Sheridan will have to lead the team in the scoring department and are also two of our better ball-handlers,” Salmon said.
Salmon says the Lady Hornets could have a good year if his returning players continue to get better and the incoming freshmen are able to contribute. Hermitage does return a good portion of its offense, but will need to make up for the loss of leadership and rebounding with the graduation of Jennings and Owens.
The Lady Hornets also return a healthy 5-8 senior post Alyssa Owens who contributed 6.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game; Anna Ginnings, 5-7 sophomore, 4.2 points and 2 rebounds; Emily Christian, 5-7 sophomore, 1.1 points and 1.6 rebounds; Lindsey Smith, 5-9 sophomore, 1.7 points and 3.3 rebounds and 5-6 junior Nichole Bell, who averaged 2.7 points and 1.3 rebounds a game.
“Alyssa Owens and Anna Ginnings were our two other starters and will need to increase their scoring and help handle the ball more this year,” Salmon said.
Makayla Hostettler, a 5-8 freshman and younger sister of Sadi, is a good ball-handler who can play inside or outside.
As a team, Hermitage averaged 53 points, 37 rebounds, 12.6 assists and 12.2 steals per game.
The Lady Hornets, who “will try and run up and down the floor, while staying in control on offense and play a lot of man defense,” open the season at home Nov. 22 against Russellville, before hosting their own tournament the week of Dec. 5.
“This year we expect to challenge for a conference and district title, and be very competitive against all teams we play,” Salmon said.
