By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
As one of the most decorated programs in the Ozarks with 17 final four appearances, Skyline girls basketball further solidified its legacy last season with yet another Class 2 state championship.
For anyone hoping to see Skyline’s demise this season, don’t hold your breath.
Longtime head coach Kevin Cheek is still manning the ship, and he’s got a pair of returning all-state selections leading the attack in Ashlen Garrett and Kenzi Cheek.
Garrett, a 5-foot-5 senior, averaged 18.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 4.8 steals last season.
“[Garrett] is a very athletic player on both sides of the court,” Coach Cheek said. “She has the ability to score the basketball at a high rate.”
Kenzi Cheek, a 5-foot-9 senior, recorded 14.8 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.2 steals per contest as a junior.
“Kenzi does a lot of things on the floor for the Lady Tigers and does a good job of understanding the flow of the game and sliding into whatever role is needed,” Coach Cheek said.
Sadie Redd, Autumn Baldwin, Jaylin Barb and Shelby Redd also return to the lineup after making significant contributions last season.
Sadie Redd, a 5-foot-9 senior all-conference and all-district selection, averaged 6.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.8 steals last season.
“Sadie plays her role extremely well and has the ability to knock down big shots while keeping others involved in the flow of the game,” Coach Cheek said.
Baldwin, a 5-foot-6 senior, posted 4.0 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game in 2023-24.
“[Baldwin] spends a lot of time guarding the other team’s best player and can sprinkle in baskets along the way,” Coach Cheek said.
Barb, a 6-foot senior, finished the season averaging 4.1 points and 3.4 rebounds.
“Jayln has shown the ability to defend and rebound with a wide variety of post players,” Coach Cheek said. “We will look to her to be that solid post defender.”
Shelby Redd, a 5-foot-5 sophomore all-conference and all-district honoree, recorded 7.6 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game last season.
“Shelby played a lot of minutes last year as a freshman and has the athletic ability to impact the game whenever she is on the floor,” Coach Cheek said.
Lily Lynn, Jenna Hunt, Jayden Brittin, Holly Hahs, Leslie Calesmen, Kimber Henderson, Lauren Bradley and Hayley Stokes will be looking to expand their roles and compete for varsity minutes this season, along with newcomers Jayla Green, Breanna Johnson, Payton Meade, Sage Redd, Kaytlena Wheeler, Cara King, Piper James and Jayley Gruber.
“This version of the Lady Tigers will be a little different than last year’s team. We will be made
of upperclassmen with a lot of experience, understanding about how to win games and the
ability to play many different styles.
“We have several talented girls returning that were very successful last year. The main goal is to build upon that success. If the coaching staff can continue to challenge them each day and the team responds to those challenges, the last of February and the beginning of March could be a lot of fun.”
Skyline will open its season Dec. 2 in the Warsaw Tournament.
