By Chris Parker
Galena girls basketball finished two games over .500 at 14-12 last year. The Bears will look for even more this year with four starters and a pair of all-conference players returning.
“This could be our most athletic team that we have put on the floor,” Galena head coach David Argo said. “We have several options and players that can play a multitude of positions. We bring back 97% of our scoring, so we have the potential to be a well-rounded team. We will be able to play fast or slow, as well as mix up our defense based on how the game is being played.”
Sophomore Averi Foster and senior Maci Doak each were named Honorable Mention All-SWCL last year.
Foster averaged 12.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game as a freshman.
“Averi is one of the engines that gets our team moving in the right direction offensively and defensively,” Argo said. “She has a very high motor along with a high basketball IQ. We can’t wait to see her growth this season.”
Doak is a force on the defensive end who averaged 3.3 steals per game last year.
“As a three-year starter, she (Doak) has been one of our best defensive players,” Argo said. “Having her experience and leadership will be key to our success this season.”
Bree Rice returns for her junior year after putting up career highs in points (10.4) and rebounds per game (5.1) as a sophomore.
“Bree is coming off a productive season with highs in points per game and rebounds per game,” Argo said. “We look for her to take more of a leadership role, while taking on more responsibilities. She is very versatile and can score at all three levels.”
Junior Chaley Plottner enters her third year as a starter coming off a season where she averaged 7.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game.
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“Chaley is another two-year starter that’s a versatile wing player who can stretch the floor while guarding faster players,” Argo said. “We will ask her to be more assertive on the offensive end.”
Sophomore Baylee Stacy had a strong finish to her freshman year and will look to do even more this year. She averaged 4.1 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.
“Baylee came on strong for us in the second portion of the season,” Argo said. “She is a good three-point shooter, with good passing skills. She had four games in a row averaging a double-double, while we were shorthanded. We look for her to continue this progression throughout this season.”
Taylyn Mackey rounds out the returning players. The junior averaged 1.2 ppg last year.
“T can do a lot of good things for us on both sides of the ball,” Argo said. “Having her play consistent while on the attack is a key area of need out of her.”
Kaesha Walter, a standout on the volleyball court, returns to the basketball team this year as a junior.
“Kaesha is another athletic and all-around athlete,” Argo said. “We are excited to have her back on the floor this upcoming season after taking a year off. She will bring more rebounding and scoring help to our team.”
Freshman Mel Rice will look to make an immediate varsity impact.
“Mel will bring more athleticism to our team and will be asked to play several different positions in our rotation,” Argo said. “She will bring needed scoring while adding another versatile defender to our lineup.”
Galena opens the season on Nov. 18 at home against Niangua.
“With four returning starters back, they will have to step up and set the tone for us in practices to help build our foundation as a team,” Argo said. “If we can build our chemistry, I think we will continue the turnaround that took place in the 2021-2022 season with the additions of Mel Rice and Kaesha Walter.”
