By Chris Parker
Hermitage girls basketball returns seven players who saw action in at least 10 varsity games last season.
Mackenzie Antle returns for her senior season after scoring 10.7 points with 5.6 rebounds per game as a junior.
“Mackenzie was our leading scorer last year and a great leader for our team,” Hermitage head coach Harley Maxwell said. “Early in the season she was mainly a shooting guard for us but took over the point guard spot about half way through the season. She can adjust to what we need each game offensively and defensively which makes her such a vital part to our team.”
Fellow senior Chloe Freidman averaged 2.4 points and 3.5 rebounds per game.
“Chloe Friedman is another senior this year. She is currently down with a knee injury from softball season but will hopefully be able to join us back soon,” Maxwell said. “Chloe helps run the flow of our offense and is a vital part to our defensive game. Chloe is also a great leader on and off the floor.”
Gracelynn Antle played in all 25 games as a sophomore and averaged 3.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.
“Gracelynn is the sister of Mackenzie Antle,” Maxwell said. “If sickness or injury does not slow her down this year, she will be a huge part of our offense and defense. Gracelynn is a great defender (made all-defensive team last year) and was our leading rebounder. She is a hustler on both offense and defense and has the competitive mindset we need this season to be successful.”
Megan Crawford is the second-leading returning scorer. The sophomore scored 7.5 points per game to go with 3.2 rebounds.
“(Crawford) made an immediate impact on the varsity last year as a starter and as our leading three-point shooter,” Maxwell said. “She is a competitive kid and puts her heart into basketball. She has worked continuously during this off season, and I am excited to see what she can accomplish this year.”
Chloe Clemmer saw action in 21 games as a sophomore on her way to averaging 2.2 rebounds per game.
“Chloe will be a junior this year and will continue to be a part of our post player offense,” Maxwell said. “She has more experience this year and continues to get better every day. If she finishes well, and gets the rebounds I need her to get, she will be a vital part to our offense and defense this season.”
Kylia Hannah and Calie Heiser both saw some varsity action last season.
Hannah played in 10 varsity games as a freshman.
“Kylia is a sophomore, and was more of a JV player last year, but has worked super hard in this off season to compete at the varsity level,” Maxwell said. “I expect her to make a big varsity impact his year with her aggression and her shooting from behind the arc.”
Heiser played in 17 varsity games as a sophomore.
“Calie will be a junior this year. She was also more of a JV player last year. She will add to our post player lineup,” Maxwell said.
Freshman Lexi Sawyer will make an immediate varsity impact.
“Lexi is a great ball handler, driver, and has a good IQ of the game,” Maxwell said. “She is a hustler on defense and offense and has the competitive mindset that I need on the varsity floor this year.”
Senior Makenna Kobe returns to the basketball court after not playing as a junior.
“Kobe will be adding to our post player game,” Maxwell said. “She is a great rebounder and sees the floor very well on offense. I am excited to see how she can help our inside defense and be able to score and open up shooters on the outside.”
Emily Gonzalez and Taylor Holman are also two newcomers.
Defense will lead the way while the offense works to develop.
“Our biggest strength is our defense. All of my girls are hustlers and do a good job communicating and running our defense in an effective way,” Maxwell said. “Our team needs to improve in the offensive side to be successful this year. They need to learn to slow down at times, run through our offense, and not let other teams make us play at their speed. If we play at our own pace, and run our offense correctly, I have no doubt we could have a successful season this year.”
Hermitage opens the regular season on Nov. 22 at Warsaw.
“To consider this season a success, I want to see the team grow both on and off the court,” Maxwell said. “That means improvement in individual skills, stronger teamwork, and a commitment to a positive, disciplined mindset. I’d love to see players pushing themselves to be better each practice and game, supporting each other through challenges, and building the resilience that basketball — and life — demand. Success this season isn’t just measured by wins; it’s about seeing players develop their confidence, character, and understanding of the game. If we can accomplish that, I’ll consider it a truly successful year.”
