By Chris Parker
Fair Play girls basketball will look to take a big step forward this year after three consecutive seasons with single-digit wins.
“I feel like we have been on a rebuilding year for so long because we lose so many seniors, but I think that this group of girls has the potential to come out and be successful,” Fair Play head coach Alicia Mercer said. I tell me girls every day before practice that you will get what you put in and I hope that sticks with them so that they know if they put in the effort, sweat and determination then they can be a better team than last year. They need to find each other and keep fighting to compete!
A pair of seniors will be leading the way in that effort in Jenna Viles and Chyler Welch.
“This year, I have two outstanding seniors who have worked hard to lead this team,” Mercer said. “Jenna Viles has a passion for the game of basketball and has waited for this moment. She has become a vocal leader from her quiet freshman self. I look forward to seeing her enjoy her senior year. Chyler Welch is a vocal leader in helping to run the team on the floor. She is able to keep our momentum going if she is on the floor. We need both of these girls to step up and take over this year.”
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Sophomore Riley Tennison has shown improvement in the off-season.
“Riley Tennyson really has improved in her confidence of being on the floor and taking chances,” Mercer said. “She really stepped up this summer and was looking to shoot the ball and look to create opportunities.”
Classmate Meghan Hoxsie will take on a larger role this year helping to handle the ball.
Freshmen Cheyene West, Anna Grove and Ashlynee Kirksy will all look to give valuable minutes.
“Our identity this year is going to be defensive. We have to stop teams from scoring and learn to be patient offensively,” Mercer said. “We have struggled with being physical against teams, so I am hoping that this year we can be physical.”
Fair Play opens the season Nov. 30 through Dec. 4 at the Everton Tournament.
“I really hope for this team that we are able to have a season. The unknown is scary and I hope that we have an opportunity to get the most we can in and enjoy everything we get,” Mercer said. “I expect that the girls show up and play hard every single night.”
