By Chris Parker
Chadwick girls basketball has posted its second straight 20-win season last year that included the Class 1 District 4 championship. The Lady Cardinals lost to South Iron in the sectional round to end the season with a 20-6 record.
They will have to replace the production of the graduated Paris Gilbert. Gilbert was named Mark Twain Conference Player of the Year last year after she averaged 14.6 points, 6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.
“She was a great captain and floor leader who had the respect of her teammates,” Chadwick head coach Scott Payne said. “She led us in nearly every statistical category and we will have to find a way to replace her defense and leadership.”
A majority of the rest of the team returns aiming to crack the 20-win plateau for a third consecutive season.
“We just have to stay committed and focused throughout the year,” Payne said. “Bringing back the majority of our team and adding a really good freshmen group the key will be how fast we can gel new lineups together. I have loved how hard this team works every day in practice and fully expect us to be a competitive team who leaves it all out on the floor. I feel like this is the best team we have had here in several years.”
Abi Smith returns after earning first-team all-conference honors last season. She averaged 14.5 points and 2.1 steals per game last year.
“She will be one of our captains and floor leaders. I plan on sliding her into the shooting guard role which will fit her more naturally,” Payne said. “Her on-ball defense is very good. With more consistent shooting, she could be one of the best two-way players around.”
Paisley Gilbert was a second-team all-conference selection. She averaged 9.7 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game last year.
“She will once again be looked upon for her interior defense and rebounding. She was our leading rebounder a season ago and should be a double-double threat in games this season,” Payne said. “She is a high IQ player that understands the game well.”
Junior guard Cora Michael and junior center Chloe Burkhart give Chadwick four total returning starters. Burkhart averaged 6 points per game while Michael chipped in 4.
“Cora played her role very well. She is a good rebounder for her size and a good passer. She will look to expand her role as a junior and help solidify our defense,” Payne said. “Chloe is the muscle for our team. She isn’t afraid to mix it up inside and do a lot of the dirty work. She was second in rebounding a season ago and a good post defender. She is one of those tough kids you have to have to win games.”
Sophomore guard Lexi Loveland came off the bench last year and will see an expanded role this year.
“She has great speed and length,” Payne said. “She is one of the best defenders on our team and I expect her to make another step up this season not only handling the ball, but also being more of an offensive threat.”
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Kerrigan Guerin (freshman), Raeleigh Little (freshman), Maddy Nalley (junior), Lauren Bilyeu (senior), Mille Burkhart (freshman), Emma Finney (freshman) and Arwyn Brethen (freshman) are newcomers to watch this year.
Payne on Guerin: “Kerrigan should step in a run the point guard position for us her freshmen season. She is a tremendous ball handler and passer. Her knowledge of the game and getting others involved will be key for our team this season. I am excited to see her in varsity action after a very good junior high season last year.”
Payne on Little: “Rae, like Kerrigan, should make an immediate impact her freshman season. An All-State cross country runner, Raeleigh has a motor that doesn’t stop and is very good in transition and on defense. She should create havoc on defense and provide energy for our team. I am expecting a big season from her.”
Payne on Nalley: “Maddie is a quick guard who can really shoot the ball. She is returning to us after playing here as a freshmen. We look to pick up right where we left off.”
Payne on Bilyeu: “Lauren transferred from Sparta and will add depth at the forward position. She has a good feel for the game and adds much need experience.”
Payne on Burkhart: “Millie is Chloe’s younger sister. She is another good player from the freshmen class that will come off the bench and add toughness and rebounding.”
Payne on Finney: “Emma is a small guard who will be looking to improve her ball handling and defense.”
Payne on Brethen: “Arwyn is new to basketball and joined the team this season. She will continue to improve and hope to see minutes.”
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These newcomers will provide the luxury of depth for the Lady Cardinals.
“This year more than years past, we will have a deep bench and girls capable of stepping in and contributing right away. With our style of play this should be a huge thing for us,” Payne said.
Chadwick opens the season on Nov. 22 at Norwood.
“Our goal once again will be to win our conference and district, then take it one game at a time from there and see how far we can go. Our defense held teams to 38 points per game last season and it will once again be the foundation of what we are trying to accomplish. We are coming off of back-to-back 20 win seasons and I think this team has the potential to surpass what we have done the last two years,” Payne said. “I expect us to be a team that is relentless on defense and able to get out and apply pressure full court. We have girls who have an understanding of what is expected on the defensive end. I expect us to win the turnover battle and turn our defense into easy layups at the other end.”
