By Chris Parker
New Covenant girls basketball will look to bounce back from a five-win season entering coach Dusty Killingsworth’s second season at the helm.
Seniors Claudia Cannefax and Lily Auer will lead this year’s team.
“They are tough young ladies, but they show a high degree of character and work to maximize their talents along with their teammates,” Killingsworth said. “They are great young ladies to be around and will lead our team in a positive direction. The future is bright for these young ladies.”
Cannefax averaged 8.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game last year. Auer scored 7 points with 5.1 rebounds per game.
Raegan Ellis (junior), Audrey Cannefax (sophomore) and Lila McIntyre (junior) also return for New Covenant.
“All of our returners grew a lot last season and will bring things to our team. They will be expected to continue to grow in the game,” Killingsworth said. “Raegan, Audrey and Lila have worked on their shooting and the ability to score with confidence, which should translate to a higher efficiency on offense for our team. They always give maximum effort on the defensive end but need to continue to improve offensively and playing with confidence on that end. I know the work ethic they bring, so they will continue to become the best players they possibly can be.”
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Audrey Cannefax scored 6.5 ppg as a freshman while pulling down 7.6 rebounds. Ellis was just behind her at 6.1 ppg. McIntyre averaged 2.5 ppg last season.
Junior Mercy Asprec along with sophomores Sarah Garner, Maddie Busker and Maggie Gibson will be newcomers looking for varsity minutes.
A large freshman group which includes Ella Armour, Cheika Batten, Harlow Boyce, Addison Cuquet, Rachel Harper, Madi Jorgensen, Emily Martin and Hannah Van Ess will look to make an immediate varsity impact.
Defense will have to carry the team while the offense comes around.
“Our defensive intensity will have to be the team identity. They always give maximum effort but learning concepts of proper defensive rotation and playing cohesively will be important,” Killingsworth said. “They will continue to grow offensively and will continue to learn on that end. Learning and playing with confidence has always been important for this group.”
New Covenant opens the season on Nov. 18 at Sarcoxie.
“This is an awesome group to be around every day,” Killingsworth said. “They respect the game and respect what we are trying to do. They are high character young ladies and I’m blessed to be a part.”
