By Chris Parker
Liberal girls basketball has high expectations coming off a 17-win season with an experienced roster returning.
“Experience and depth (are strengths),” Liberal head coach Brandi Goodell said. “These kids have played a lot together and been playing varsity for two and three years, and we are getting better each year. Last year, we won 17 games. We are long and athletic and take pride in our defense.”
Taylor Swarnes (junior guard), Abby Barton (senior guard) and Ellaina LaNear (senior forward) all earned some combination of all-conference and all-district honors last season. Swarnes scored 11 points per game with 7.2 rebounds. Barton was also at 11 points per game. LaNear contributed 10 points per game.
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Baily Couch returns for her senior year after contributing nine points per game last season.
Junior Jordan Goodell and senior Laney Simpson also return.
Sophomore Hadlee Meadows along with freshmen Ally Barton, Aleena Buss, Tegan Dyer, Ava Garrett and Sadie Meadows round out the varsity roster.
Liberal opens the season on Nov. 21 at home against McAuley Catholic.
“(I want our reputation to be) that we are a force to be reckoned with but that we are known for our sportsmanship and hard-nosed defense,” Goodell said. “I am blessed with some great athletes again this year, but these girls are the whole package. Smart in the classroom, and just all-around good kids.”
