By Chris Parker
New Covenant Academy girls basketball has a new head coach in Tom Stagner this season. He takes over a program coming off a 6-20 campaign.
“I’m looking forward to my first upcoming season coaching this team,” Stagner said. “They worked hard in the summer and I’m excited to see the chemistry they will bring together as a team.”
Five players with varsity experience in Raegan Ellis (senior), Lila McIntyre (senior), Audrey Cannefax (junior), Ella Armour (sophomore) and Sarah Garner (junior) return for New Covenant.
Ellis was named honorable mention all-conference last season. She averaged 7.5 points, 4 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game.
“She (Ellis) will be one of the leaders of the team this year,” Stagner said. “She has a good understanding of the game, and she is a versatile player who can shoot from outside, drive to the basket, and play underneath. Raegan’s role on the team will be guard, point guard, and forward. I anticipate a great season from Reagan.”
McIntyre will be a key piece of New Covenant’s defensive effort.
“(McIntyre) knows the importance of defense and accepts the responsibility of giving 100% not only on the defensive end but the offensive end as well,” Stagner said. “Lila will be playing one of our guards for the team this season and will be tasked with important defensive assignments.”
Cannnefax is New Covenant’s second returning all-conference player. She was also name honorable mention after she averaged 6.4 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2 steals per game.
“Even though (Cannefax) plays the forward/center position, her ability to shoot from the outside will be a threat as well,” Stagner said. “Last year, she was our leading rebounder and will be our second leading returning scorer for the team. I believe she is capable of having a double-double season.”
Armour saw significant varsity action as a freshman.
“Ella Armour is a returning sophomore and was able to get a considerable amount of playing experience last season as a freshman,” Stagner said. “I believe this experience will benefit the team this upcoming season. Her energy and defensive mindset will play an important role for the team. Ella’s role on the team will be point guard and guard.”
Garner will see more varsity court time this season.
“I believe Sarah will have a bigger role this season on the varsity team,” Stagner said. “She’s a quick learner and understands the game. I’m excited to see her growth this season. Sarah will play forward and some guard.”
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Sophomores Emily Martin, Madi Jorgensen and Elise McIntyre will all push for playing time this season.
New Covenant has a strong freshman class looking to make an immediate impact ed by Maelee Schulze.
“Maelee Schulze heads up a talented freshmen class,” Stagner said. “She will play an important role on the team this season. She is a versatile player and can play multiple positions. She will have an impact on the offensive and defensive end of the court. Maelee’s role on the team will be guard, forward, and center.”
Lily Green brings in a good knowledge of the game in her freshman season. Payton Ellis, Emerson Rogers and Addison Vance all have the potential to see varsity playing time.
The mix of experienced players and newcomers will be a source of strength for New Covenant.
“I believe our biggest strength will be experience from returning players and newcomers who are able to jump in and play at the varsity level,” Stagner said. “If they can carry out their willingness to improve and their passion shown in practice, I’m excited to see their level of success as the season progresses.”
Stagner will have his team focus on defense and limiting turnovers so as not to give up fastbreak points.
“The areas I would like for us to improve on the most this season is defense and taking care of the basketball,” Stagner said. “Our defense last season gave up more points than desired which prevented us from winning more games. The majority of the points given up on defense was due to turnovers, putting us in a vulnerable situation. If the players keep focused on taking care of the basketball with each possession and having better court awareness, they will see better outcomes for each game.”
New Covenant opens the season on Nov. 17 at home against Sarcoxie.
