By Chris Parker
Expectations are high for the College Heights girls basketball team with every player back from last season’s district runner-up team that finished 19-8 overall.
Leading that group is senior guard Emily Colin. Colin averaged 19.3 points 5 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.6 steals per game last year. Classmates Makenna Lewis (3.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg) and Matison Whitmore (2.5 ppg, 2.8 rpg) return to the post to give College Heights a strong senior trio to lean on for leadership.
Four juniors also return led by post Grace Bishop. Bishop averaged 11.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.2 steals per game last year. Classmates Catie Secker (6.1 ppg, 6 rpg), Lainey Lett (3 ppg, 3.8 rpg) and Kaynahn Burk (6.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.4 apg) round out the returning players.
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“Our team’s strengths this year will be our quickness, depth, and having three or four players that could be in double-digit scoring each game,” College Heights head coach John Blankenship said.
Freshmen Jayli Johnson and Klohe Burk are two freshmen guards that will contribute on the varsity level.
Even with all of the experience returning there is still room for improvement for the College Heights girls.
“Defensive communication and rebounding are two areas we need to improve on. Our defense will be strong. We just need to communicate more to eliminate defensive breakdowns,” Blankenship said.
The Lady Cougars hope all the returning talent pays off in the form of a deep postseason run this year.
“Expectations are high this year. If we stay healthy we should do really well. A district championship is a major goal for our team this year,” Blankenship said.
College Heights girls basketball opens the season on Nov. 22 at home against Sheldon.
