By Chris Parker
Seymour girls basketball has a new head coach in Cody Shelton this season. Shelton coached boys basketball at Mansfield for 18 years.
He was out of coaching last year, but was ready to get back in this season.
“I was currently teaching middle school science, and the position became open. The administration approached me to see if I had any interest in coaching again. After a year away from coaching I was excited for the opportunity to coach again,” Shelton said.
He has an experienced core of players returning led by a trio of seniors in Addison Ridenour, Kaylynne Bull and Hayden Gage.
Ridenour, an all-conference and all-district performer, averaged 18.6 points and 8.5 rebounds per game last season.
“(Ridenour) can really score the basketball and affects the game from a defensive standpoint also,” Shelton said.
Bull pulled down 7.6 rebounds per game to go with 4 points and 1.6 assists per game last season.
“Kaylynne Bull is a senior forward that can play all over the court,” Shelton said. “She is a smart player that we expect to have a big senior year.”
Gage had 2.6 points and 2.6 rebounds per game last season.
“Hayden Gage is a senior guard who brings toughness to our team,” Shelton said. “She is a good shooter and aggressive attacking the rim.”
Junior Paisha Sturdefant also returns after averaging 4.2 points per game.
“We look for her (Sturdefant) to be one of our top shooters this season,” Shelton said.
Sophomore guard Chloe Johnson saw some varsity action last season. She is a defensive-minded player who can shoot. Fellow sophomore Maggie Akers is a guard who does a little bit of everything. Laikan Newman is a third sophomore who will play forward.
Freshmen Addy Simmons, Kallie Benson and Ava Kelley will look to make immediate impacts.
“Our biggest strength will be our returning experience. We are wanting to establish a defensive minded team. We also want to prioritize rebounding,” Shelton said. “Our players that are stepping into new roles will need to learn quickly. We want to play our best basketball at the end of the season.”
Seymour opens the season on Nov. 25 at Bradleyville.
“We want to find a way to compete on a nightly basis,” Shelton said. “Our conference is always going to be tough, so we must be ready to compete.”
