By Chris Parker
A trio of seniors return to lead East Newton girls basketball in Head Coach Carey Davison’s first season. That group helped East Newton to a 14-12 record last year, which was the above .500 finish for East Newton girls basketball since 2015-16.
The senior trio includes Josie Guinn, Shaw Coburn and Gracie Johnson.
Guinn earned second-team all-conference honors after she led East Newton in scoring a 10 ppg along with 3.4 rebounds per game.
“She brings a ton of varsity experience to impart on the younger players,” Davison said. “She has a nose for scoring.”
Coburn was named both honorable mention all-conference and to the Big 8 West All-Defensive team. Her 2.2 steals per game were a team-high last season. She also contributed 8.8 ppg.
“She is one of the hardest working girls on both sides of the ball,” Davison said. “Her work ethic and attitude are great examples to the younger players.”
Johnson will be key to the team running the point.
“(Johnson) takes care of the ball and runs our offense,” Davison said. “She is an extension of the coach on the floor. She actively studies the game and pushes herself and her teammates to be better.”
Past those three seniors are three returning juniors on Cameran Clement, Brooklyn Blanchard and Addison Graffis.
Davison on Clement: “Size and length down low, will be one of our dominant post presences; works hard.”
Davison on Blanchard: “One of our best shooters on the team; always puts in extra work honing her craft; will add some speed to our perimeter.”
Davison on Graffis: “Solid player; will look to her to help in the rebounding and defense department.”
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Freshmen Kadie Sesay and Jaelynn Schriever along with sophomore Harlea Brock will be new players to watch on the varsity level. Sesay is an athletic, quick and explosive guard. Schriever is a solid defender and rebounder. Brock has the potential to challenge for varsity minutes.
This group will use the defensive end of the floor to find success this year.
“Our biggest strength this year will be our defense,” Davison said. “We have a good group of hard-working girls that understand the two things they can control, effort and attitude, allow you to be the best defender on the floor.”
Davison will look for his team to get to the line more often this year and convert once there. Only one player on the roster shot better than 65% on free throws last season.
“Looking back to last year the two areas we need to work on this year is getting to the free throw line more and converting when we do, as well as limiting second chance opportunities for our opponents,” Davison said.
East Newton will look to have a reputation based in hard work and efficiency.
“I want this team and program to be known as the hardest working and most efficient team in the state,” Davison said.
East Newton opens the regular season Nov. 28-Dec. 3 at the Gem City Classic in Diamond.
