By Chris Parker
Southwest girls basketball will be looking to add more wins this year after back-to-back five-win seasons.
A senior and freshman will lead the way.
Anna Church returns for her senior season after scoring 7.5 points per game with 2 steals per game last season.
“Anna Church is a senior that has played for me since fifth grade,” said Southwest head coach Destiny Jalbert. “She understands the drills and offense and will help teach our team. She is also our point guard who sets a nice tempo for our team.”
Jaretsi Quintanilla is a freshman Jalbert is expecting a lot out of right away.
“Jaretsi Quintanilla works continuously on our days off,” Jalbert said. “She wants to be the best she can possibly be which is a great example for all athletes regardless of their sport.”
Junior Lyric Bernard showed great improvement throughout her sophomore year where she averaged 7.3 points and 5 rebounds per game.
“Lyric Bernard really stepped into a new role for our team last year as a well-rounded, versatile player,” Jalbert said. “I expect her to continue to be a difficult offensive player to guard.”
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Alexis Raucstadt will be a key defensive player.
“Alexis Raucstadt took 13 charges last year, and we always had her guarding the opponent’s best offensive player regardless of size,” Jalbert said. “I expect her to continue to be a force on defense.”
Sophomore Kelsee Merritt will be a strong vocal leader.
“Kelsee Merritt (sophomore) has an amazing understanding of the game, and I expect her teammates to develop a deeper understanding based on her knowledge and the way she can direct them on the floor,” Jalbert said. “I expect her to be a stronger vocal leader this year.”
Cally Bowyer, Laura Henry, Kaleigh Tull, and Montana Skelton all showed growth last season.
“I expect their hard work to really start showing this season and their stats to reflect the importance they are to this team,” Jalbert said.
Junior Alissa Russell transferred in from Pea Ridge and will be in the mix on varsity.
Sophomores Brianna Hufford and Makaila Anderson along with freshman Zoey Merritt will be competing for varsity minutes.
Numbers should be strong for Southwest.
“We have 20 girls who are saying they want to play this season,” Jalbert said. “This will push the girls to different levels knowing they have to compete for their positions each week.”
Southwest opens the season Nov. 19-23 at the Verona Tournament.
