The Hermitage girls fielded a young team a year ago, but that didn’t stop them from winning 21 games and coming up just four points shy of winning a district title. They improved throughout the season as they would finish the year by winning nine of their last 10 games.
“Our team improved last season as everyone got more confident in their role on the team and we had different people seem to step up each night and contribute,” Hermitage head coach Shane Salmon said.
Leading the way back this year is a strong senior duo in Sadi Hostettler and Sheridan Corum who were the top two scorers on last year’s team averaging 13.1 and 12.5 points per game, respectively. Corum led the team in assists at 5.6 per game while Hostettler led the way on the boards with 7.7 rebounds per game.
“Sadi and Sheridan bring different skills to the team,” Salmon said. “Sadi handles the ball well and rebounds and scores around the basket while Sheridan brings a fast break threat, good defense and a 3-point threat. Sadi is also more of a silent leader while Sheridan tends to be more vocal. I expect both to improve and become some of the top players in the area.”
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Sophomore Makayla Hostettler provides a third strong scoring option after averaging 12.4 points per game to go with 6.7 rebounds and 2.8 steals per game last year. Her efforts earned her first-team all-conference honors.
“Makayla improved last year as she got used to the high school pace of play and physical nature of play,” Salmon said. “She is continuing to work on her shot and I expect her to become even more of a scoring threat next year.”
Senior Nicole Bell along with juniors Lindsey Smith, Anna Ginnings and Emily Christian will all return this season and be factors for Hermitage.
Abby Irek returns to the team this year after not playing last season. She will boost the Lady Hornets’ defense.
Improvement and a deeper playoff run is the goal for the Hornets coming off of last year’s strong season.
“I believe our team can be better than last year’s team and once again compete for a district title,” Salmon said.
Hermitage opens the season on Nov. 17 at Ballard.
Corum will look to join Said Hostettler in the 1,000-point club in that game as she sits at 996 career points.
