By Chris Parker
Golden City girls basketball is chasing a second straight district title with several key players returning in head coach Jeremy Scott’s first season.
“This is my first year as head coach. I’ve been the assistant for the last three years. We have progressively built and exceeded expectations. We have built and return a strong core of players,” Scott said.
Kyndall Scott was named first-team all-conference for Golden City on the strength of her 13.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.4 steals per game as a junior.
“Kyndall is a returning three-year starter. (She is a) three-time all-conference player who is growing in her ability to control the game at the tempo and pace we want and has learned how to take over the game at the proper times. She’s been our team captain for three years and helps set the standard for what we expect as a player,” Coach Scott said.
Junior Kylee Scott and Maggie Reed also return for Golden City.
Kylee Scott averaged 4.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2 assist and 1.7 steals per game on her way to honorable mention all-conference honors as a sophomore.
“Kylee has improved as a player at handling the ball and seeing the court,” Coach Scott said. “She understands how to attack the defense. Kylee is our best defender. We expect her to step up in scoring this year.”
Reed scored 5.3 points with 1.3 rebounds per game last season.
“Maggie was our leading three-point shooter,” Scott said. “She made multiple big three-point shots. She has improved defensively and with her ability to handle the ball and is a key part of what makes us go.”
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The sophomore quartet of Elizabeth Renfro, Teagan Warner, Reese Moore and Jade Pennington along with junior Sienna Wirth will be newcomers to the varsity rotation.
Scott on Renfro: “Elizabeth played some important minutes in some important games for us last year, including making the winning basket with 2.1 seconds to go in the sectional championship game. She is a strong rebounder and defender who we will look to get more involved on the offensive end.”
Scott on Warner: “Teagan is a transfer from Southeast High School in Kansas where she received second-team all-conference as a freshman. Teagan will be expected to step in and contribute and bring us athleticism at the post with the ability to score down low.”
Scott on Moore: “Reese is a strong three-point shooter and defender. Reese has had a good summer and we will look to her to contribute heavily this season.”
Scott on Pennington: “Jade is a strong rebounder and defensive player. Jade continues to grow after last year being her first year.”
Scott on Wirth: “Sienna is returning this year after taking last year off. She is an outstanding three-point shooter who helps to spread the court and create lanes and openings for the rest of the team.”
Golden City opens the season on Nov. 22 at home against Osceola.
“Our defense the last two years has been our calling card, as we generally hold teams 12-14 points under their average,” Scott said. “We have strong experienced guard play (with) lots of three-point shooting. The development of our post game on offense will determine our level of success this year. Our schedule is very tough at the beginning, starting out with the Everton Tournament. Then we have big rematch games against Walnut Grove and Drexel in December. Last year we broke through and won the first girls conference and district championships in school history. Building on that and having even bigger goals this year is exciting for both me and the players.”
