Hartville finished last season with a 19-10 record and came up just short of a district title in a 42-37 loss to Gainesville in the district championship game.
The Eagles lose three seniors in Cheyanne Mullenix, Emily Chisum and Mallory Hardcastle that were their second, third and fourth-leading scorers. The trio combined to produce 22.8 points per game.
“The seniors from 2017 were a very solid group with a great deal of varsity experience and success,” Hartville head coach Mike Percival said. “In many ways they passed on the understanding of the commitment & sacrifice that success requires.”
Every other player returns for the Lady Eagles led by junior Sadie Chisum who averaged a team-high 11.5 points, 3.3 assists and 1.9 steals per game along with 4.2 rebounds per game, which was second on the team.
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“Sadie is a very competitive person and is dedicated to improving both herself and her team in any way possible,” Percival said. “This type of attitude is contagious and creates a very positive attitude and atmosphere for the team.”
Fellow junior Skyler Divine is the team’s second-leading returning scorer after putting up 4.3 points per game and an assist each contest.
Seniors Grace Still, Ashlynne Dickinson and Ally Coltrane will provide leadership for the team. They averaged a combined 7.4 points per game as juniors last year.
“We have a solid group of seniors that will have a big part to play in our success as well as the returning underclassmen with varsity experience,” Percival said.
Sophomores Grace Culver, Bailey Martin and Katie Still along with freshmen Trista Crain, Jadalyn Keith and Morgan Kelley are a strong group of underclassmen that will contribute on varsity.
“We are expecting some big things from the sophomore and freshman classes,” Percival said. “The ability to provide athleticism, offensive & defensive firepower and work ethic will be key for our success.”
Hartville will look to be back where they were last year competing for a district championship come playoff time.
“We still won’t have a great deal of size, but we are expecting to compete for the conference and district crowns this season as well as being fun to watch,” Percival said.
Hartville opens the season on Nov. 28 at home against New Covenant.
