By Chris Parker
Crocker girls basketball is poised to make a run at a second straight district title, and third in four years, with four starters returning from last season.
“We want to continue to build from our successes last season,” Crocker head coach Tom Bildner said. “By returning four starters this season hopefully we can compete for another district championship and take it a step further. The girls have put a lot of effort in this summer working on improving their shots and ball handling. We believe our team has the potential to compete with any school our size, we just have to execute the offense, contest every shot and rebound.”
Sophomore Lexi Ament returns after a standout freshman year that saw her averaged 16.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game. She earned first-team all-conference honors.
“We will look for Ament to run the offense and control the other team’s defensive tempo,” Bildner said. “After coming off a stellar freshman campaign, Ament will need to take that next step and lead the team after losing senior point guard Emma Routh to graduation.”
Senior forward Karli York scored 6.2 points per game to go with 4.8 rebounds.
“She (York) is a kid that knows how to compete and plays hard,” Bildner said. “We look for her to play a lot of minutes this year and be a big impact on the both ends of the floor.”
Gretchen Candee was the team’s leading rebounder as a sophomore averaging 5.4 per game to go with 8.1 points per game.
“She (Candee) started to come into her role last season,” Bildner said. “We will look for her to help lead the team, take more shots both inside and out and be a bigger impact offensively this year as a junior.”
Alivia Hayes shot 30% from three last season on the way to averaging 4.3 points per game.
“She (Hayes) will play a vital role this season,” Bildner said. “We will look for her to shoot the three ball at a higher percentage this year as well as help run the offense.”
Tessa Danielson will see more minutes this season after coming off the bench in her freshman season. She averaged 4.7 points per game.
“We will look for her (Danielson) to hit open shots, help run the offense and be a big defensive presence for us,” Bildner said.
Sophomore Hailey Stewart also returns after seeing varsity action as a freshman.
“Hailey Stewart saw some quality varsity time last year,” Bildner said. “She is a solid post player and rebounder, and she is expected to help out inside this year.”
Madalyn Fancher is a senior guard who will help out on the defensive end.
Crocker opens the season on Nov. 23 against Russellville at the Bluefish Shootout in Rolla.
