The Seneca girls have a new head coach in Drew Schulte this year.
“I could not be more thrilled to be a part of the long lasting tradition and success at Seneca High School,” Schulte said. “As the coach for the Seneca High School Lady Indians. I am committed to teach the fundamentals of basketball, and life skills through positive coaching. I hope to instill into our players hard work on the floor and in the classroom, playing together, and treating others with respect, on and off the court.”
He takes over a Lady Indians team that finished 14-11 last season and must replace three graduated players in Payton Clouse, Maranda Copper and Kayleigh Hancock. The Lady Indians will rely heavily upon a strong junior class.
“I believe despite being young we have some pretty talented players. We also have some upcoming players that will help us out. If we continue to communicate, play selfless basketball, and play together, we will have success,” Schulte said.
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Two starters return in juniors Taylor Mailes and Sarah Hoover. Mailes averaged eight points, 4.5 rebounds and four assists per game last year. She will be the primary ball handler this season. Hoover also scored eight points per game last year with five rebounds as well. She will join her classmate on the perimeter.
Seniors Grace Vansickle and Chantel Thiel will provide strong leadership to the team. Vansickle, who stands 6-foot-1, will be an asset in the paint. Thiel, who is 5-foot-4, is a lockdown defender according to Schulte.
The junior trio of Jo Beard (6-foot-1), Chaney Platner (5-foot-4) and Grace Johnson (5-foot-7) give the Lady Indians a strong junior class this season. Beard and Johnson will play in the post with Johnson seeing time at shooting guard.
Sophomore Chelsea Beville and freshman Mckayla French will round out the key varsity contributors.
“I believe as a coach, one of our main goals is to instill hard work and accountability in each student athlete,” Schulte said. “In doing this, we want to maximize their full potential in the classroom and on the basketball court. On the court our expectation is that we compete every quarter of every game.”
Seneca opens the season on Nov. 20 at home against Neosho.
