By Chris Parker
Purdy girls basketball returns to varsity play this year after not having enough players for a team last season.
“This will be a rebuilding year because Purdy did not have a basketball team last year due to low numbers, however we are looking to change that this year,” Purdy head coach Stephanie Heman said. “I have only had the opportunity to see the girls in action this past summer at my camp and at a couple of shoot outs. They work hard and they play hard, and I love that. Obviously, we have some things to work on fundamentally. Right now, my goal is to continue to work on building relationships with my students/players to try and get more girls interested in basketball.”
One player in senior Zoey Webb returns with experience.
“Zoey played her sophomore year and started for the Eagles,” Heman said. “She will be one of our captains this year as well as one of our point guards. We will rely on her leadership both on and off the court. Zoey is strong defensively, and I look for her to develop into more of an offensive threat.”
Gracie Patton (senior), Lizett Aldava (sophomore), Allison Lopez (sophomore), Ellie Nunez (freshman), Chloe Prock (freshman), Shelbie Patterson (freshman), Kenzie Postlewait (freshman) and Casey Henderson (freshman) will be newcomers for Purdy girls basketball.
Heman on Patton: “Gracie has been away from basketball for a few years, and I am glad she is back. She will play inside for me this year. She works hard and has a great attitude. I need her to be strong on the boards and defensively for us.”
Heman on Aldava: “Will be a strong and physical presence for us on the inside. She is athletic and she has the ability to finish tough shots around the basket.”
Heman on Lopez: “Allison is very deceiving for her size. She will play the guard position, and we will need her to score some from the outside as well as being strong defensively.”
Heman on Nunez: “Ellie will play some at the point guard position. She is aggressive defensively and has been working on her shot on the perimeter. She likes to get up and down the floor.”
Heman on Prock: “Chloe is very athletic and will play multiple positions for us. We will need her to be strong on the boards as well as to score when open.”
Heman on Patterson: “Shelbie is very athletic and plays hard defensively. I look for her to play the small forward position and/or the three guard position.”
Heman on Postlewait: “Kenzi will be one of our shooting guards. She gives great effort defensively and does a great job getting open offensively. She could become a three point threat for us.”
Heman on Henderson: “Casey will play guard for us. She is a great role player for our team. I can put her into different positions and she will work hard and do whatever is needed.”
This group of mostly new varsity players will look to use speed to their advantage.
“Our speed will be our biggest strength,” Heman said. “We have some athleticism and hope to use that to our advantage.”
Purdy opens the season Nov. 23-27 at the Verona Tip-Off Classic.
“I want to see us compete each and every game and give ourselves a chance to win,” Heman said. “Right now, it’s about trust and getting to know my players and them getting to know me. There is a lot of potential in this group of girls.”
