The Pleasant Hope girls continue to build their program. The Lady Pirates were on a 41-game losing streak less than two years ago. Last year they finished 10-16 and won their district quarterfinal game.
Things are continuing to look up for Pleasant Hope this year with four starters returning. That group is led by senior Faith Francka. The point guard averaged 13.8 points and five assists per game last year.
“She will be looked upon to do many things for our team. She is a three year starter and a two year all-conference player in the Mid-Lakes. She has good shooting range and has developed a greater ability to drive and get to the free throw line. I look for her to be one of the best players in our new conference,” Pleasant Hope Coach Brent Offerdahl said.
CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE WINTER SPORTS PREVIEWS
Classmate Courtney Jenkins will be entering her fourth year starting for the lady Pirates. She scored eight points per game last year. Juniors Gwen McClain and Lydia Dunaway round out the returning core of upperclassmen.
Senior Brianna Griffith along with juniors Shi Kennedy and Ashanti price and sophomore Bailey Stokes will be some newcomers to the varsity. Offerdahl also has a strong group of freshmen to watch out for that includes Rachel Jenkins, Cheyenne Wolf, Alexis Daugherty and Haleigh Snyder.
“I look forward to us competing on a high level every night. Our pace of play will have to help keep us in games as I am not sure we will have much depth. I look forward to enjoying this year as I have some girls that have been a part of the program for three years and I know they are looking to have a great senior campaign. The Southwest Conference has allowed us to revamp our entire schedule and I hope that we can compete well with the new change,” Offerdahl said.
Pleasant Hope opens the season Nov. 19-21 at the Fair Play Tournament.
