By Chris Parker
Golden City girls basketball had a record-setting season last year winning 17 games.
Head coach Derek Judd expects more of the same this year.
“We expect to build upon the success we had last year and keep getting better as a program,” Judd said.
Sophomore Kyndall Scott and junior Brooke Beerly will be team leaders.
“These two sell out on every drill and every play in practice. They set the tone for the whole team,” Judd said.
Scott, who earned second-team all-conference honors last year, averaged 14.5 points and 7 assists per game as a freshman.
“Kyndall is who makes us go on both ends of the floor,” Judd said. “She runs the point and sets our pace. She had great floor vision and awareness. We are looking for her to be one of the best players in the conference this year.”
CLICK HERE FOR ALL OF THE WINTER SPORTS PREVIEWS
Beerly returns after scoring 9.5 points per game and pulling down 5 rebounds per game last season.
“Brooke had a fantastic sophomore year for us,” Judd said. “She made a big leap from her freshman year, and if she can make a similar leap this year, she will be one of the top players in the conference. She’s extra valuable to us because she can play inside and out.”
Post players Gracee Singer (senior) and Ahree Lutes (sophomore) will be key players in the paint. Singer averaged 8 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while Lutes contributed 4 points and five rebounds per game.
“Gracee is entering her senior year and put in a lot of work over the summer to be more aggressive. We will be asking her to step up in a few areas and we are confident she will rise to the challenge,” Judd said. “Ahree put in a lot of work this summer on her footwork and learning some things she wasn’t asked to do last year. We expect a big year for Ahree.”
Sophomore Maggie Reed also returns after seeing time as a freshman.
“Maggie improved a lot over last season and this summer,” Judd said. “She has become a consistent shooter from the outside and we are looking for her to give up strong minutes off the bench this year.”
Freshman Kylee Scott will step in as an immediate starter and be one of the better defenders on the team.
“We will look to play a very fun, fast paced style of play on both ends of the floor,” Judd said. “We should be a fun team to coach and watch. These are a really good group of kids and it’s a pleasure to be around them.”
Golden City opens the season Nov. 30 through Dec. 4 at the Everton Invitational.
