By Chris Parker
Plato girls basketball has won nine games in back-to-back seasons, but that number could increase this season with three players who averaged nine or more points per game last season returning.
Everything starts with the senior co-captains Brenna Couch and Kaylee Copley.
Couch was named all-conference and all-district last season after she averaged 17 points and 13 rebounds per game.
“Brenna Couch is a team co-captain and plays a huge role for us,” Plato head coach Chris Couch said. “She leads by example and is a tenacious rebounder that owns the paint on both ends of the floor. Brenna has the skillset to score from multiple areas on the floor, showing her diversity.”
Copley poured in 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 3 assists per game.
“Kaylee Copley is our other co-captain, the team’s motor, and a great all-around leader,” Coach Couch said. “She calms the team when needed and her basketball IQ allows her to control the pace of the game. “
Tavi Craddock, who is a junior, contributed 8 points, 3 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 2 assists per game.
“I look for her (Craddock) to increase her production across the board this year,” Coach Couch said. “She is a very solid defender, usually the player getting fired up on the defensive end. I believe this year she has gained confidence and will expand her game.”
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Makayla Fletcher is another returning junior.
“I foresee Makayla coming out of her shell and fulfilling her role on the team,” Coach Couch said. “She is a capable scorer inside and out with good size and speed.”
Brookyln Delcour, Jayanna Draper, Denise Dodge, Cheyenne Hazelwood are all returners that saw decent minutes last year.
Freshmen Sara Cannon and Aspen Hazelwood are looking to make immediate varsity impacts.
Sara will give us more length and inside presence while Aspen provides us with another ball handling guard. She has an endless motor and great speed (which) allows her to be affective on both ends,” Coach Couch said.
Experience will be an advantage for Plato this season.
“Our squad gained a lot of confidence last year along with experience. We are returning eight players from last year so our team chemistry is very good and will help us be more consistent on both ends of the floor this year,” Coach Couch said. “While we are returning several players from last year, we are still overall a young team so that comes into play. We are a little smaller this year so we will be making a conscience effort to rebound the play from all positions.”
Plato opens the regular season on Nov. 20 at Couch.
“Personally, as a coach, I am very competitive but if I can see improvements in the team as a collective group, build individual skillsets along with introducing new kids to the game of basketball and see them fall in love with the sport itself and the competition. I can consider that a success,” Coach Couch said. “I hope to create a basketball program here that everyone can enjoy, be proud of, wants to be part of and be successful every year.”
