By Chris Parker
Everton girls basketball will be looking to turn things around after managing just two wins in the past two seasons.
Three returning junior starts will be the leaders of that turnaround starting with Jazzmenn Luney who earned second-team all-conference honors last year. She averaged 10.6 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.
“Jazzmenn is part of a trio of juniors that have been responsible for carrying a lot of weight since they were freshmen,” Everton coach Jennifer Miller said. “They have been through a lot together and it will be interesting to see how they lead this team now that it is their time. Jazzmenn is our top weapon on offense and is a great rebounder. If she can lead the offense consistently, we will definitely be able to compete.”
Brooke Smith averaged 5 points and 5.4 rebounds as a junior.
“Brooke shares ball handling responsibilities with Ezra (Wood). She understands the game and anticipates well on defense,” Miller said. “Last season, she was willing to take a more active role in the offense and had some really good games. As her confidence and leadership skills grow, so will her impact on the game. We look forward to more offensive production from her this year.”
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Ezra Wood is the third junior in that group. She scored 6.6 points and had 3.3 rebounds per game last year.
“Ezra is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever coached. She sets the tone for us. She is quick and fearless. She shares ball handling responsibilities with Brooke. She had some really good games on the offensive side of the ball last year. We look for that success to carry into this season,” Miller said.
Sophomore Autumn Fifer returns to basketball after playing in junior high but sitting out her freshman year.
Five freshmen in Abigail Bassett, Jordan Daniels, Hailey Gilmore, Kenzie Sartin and Lexis Wilson will look to make an immediate impact.
“We have five incoming freshmen. We are super excited to welcome these players at the varsity level because we haven’t had these numbers for a long time,” Miller said. “We look for several of the guards especially Jordan, Abigail, and Hailey to help move the offense. Kenzie and Lexis will help us out down in the post. All of them play hard. Their scrappy and determined play should fit right into our current system.”
Everton opens the season Nov. 21-25 in the Verona Tournament.
“This team has a lot of potential. We should roster 11-12 girls, which is more than we have had in years. We got some good work in this summer, which is also something we haven’t had the personnel to do in recent years,” Miller said. “With no seniors, our juniors will have to be consistent and lead well. However, I believe that our youth is an asset. These freshmen are hungry and will help support our juniors who have been holding the rope for a long time. I think we will surprise some teams.”
