The Lebanon girls had one of the best seasons in program history last year after winning 23 games and a district title behind a stellar class of four seniors.
That group of four seniors (Kelsey Winfrey, Jaiden Offutt, Maddie O’Connor and Faith Alwardt) changed the trajectory of the program and led the Lady Yellowjackets to 69 wins in their four years.
“Ever since I got to Lebanon our team moto every year has had something to do with a legacy. Last year it was ‘We are the legacy.’ That group of four seniors put in so much time and effort to improve themselves and our program. The four of them were freshmen my first year at Lebanon and the year before Lebanon had only won five games,” Lebanon head coach Brendan Kelly said. “The great thing about all four of those athletes is that they weren’t just great athletes they were great people and because of their great attitudes and work ethics they were the perfect example for our younger players who are now in charge of carrying on what they started. Those four seniors truly changed the girls basketball program at Lebanon High School and created a legacy that will continue on through this year’s team.”
Winfrey, who is now playing basketball for Mizzou, will go down as an all-time program great after scoring more than 2,000 points and setting many records. Between her and the other three graduated players, Lebanon will have to replace four of its top five scorers.
It will be junior guard Kamryn Mack’s turn to step up and lead the Lady ‘Jackets this season. She averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game last season.
“Kamryn is a dynamic player with a great offensive skill set. I think that all the starting experience she got last year and being on the floor with the four seniors we had will benefit her greatly this year,” Kelly said. “I think that she is in the perfect position to have a big season this year.”
Sophomore Jenna Glendenning will see an expanded role this year after playing in 29 games as a freshman. She averaged 2.7 points and 1.6 rebounds per game.
“Even though she (Glendenning) didn’t start last season she saw a lot of time on the floor and she had a really strong summer, so I expect her to step up this year,” Kelly said. “She has already assumed a leadership position within our team and had proven that she is a positive leader.”
Senior Alyssa Wright and junior Cori Johnson both had strong summers and are poised to make a leap in production this year.
Lebanon added a transfer from Orchard Park in Skylyr Leake who adds a versatile and experienced presence to the floor. She averaged 10.1 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.4 steals per game last season.
Baylei Palmer will return to the team as well after not playing last season.
Kelly is hoping that all of these players can add up to a second straight district championship.
“I think that there are a lot of people who do not expect us to be very successful this season due to losing the four seniors from last year’s team,” Kelly said. “While I know there will be some growing pains I honestly believe that we can compete for a district championship this season if everything falls into place. We play a very tough schedule and I think that will serve us well in preparing for the end of the season and districts.”
Lebanon opens the season at the Fair Grove Tournament from Nov. 27 through Dec. 1.
