By Chris Parker
Hurley girls basketball is poised for a big year with six players returning who saw varsity action last season.
Seniors Jaema Schimmels and Madison Conrad are at the head of that group.
Schimmels averaged 14.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.8 steals per game last season.
“Jaema has three years of varsity experience,” Hurley head coach Joey Little said. “She was our leading scorer last year and should pass the 1,000 point mark sometime this year. She must learn to be tough no matter what the situation is. She will have to be one of the leaders of the team for us to be successful. She must reduce her turnovers and step up on defense. I have enjoyed coaching her for the last three years and I think this will be the best year.”
Conrad returns after averaging 10.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 3.1 steals per game as a junior.
“Madi also has three years of varsity experience,” Little said. “Madi was our second-leading scorer and our top rebounder from last year. She is very athletic and can be a dominant player if she wants to be. I need her to play to her potential. She should pass the 1,000 point mark this year.”
Dacia Grubbs (senior), Addison Maxwell (sophomore), Hayden Young (sophomore) and Erica Flores (sophomore) also return.
Each averaged about 2 points per game last season.
Little on Grubbs: “Dacia has three years of varsity experience. I must have Dacia step her game up on the offensive and defensive end. I look for her to score more. Dacia works hard and is willing to do anything I ask of her. I expect bigger things from her this year.”
Little on Maxwell: “Addi played a lot of minutes last season. I really like her aggressiveness on the offensive end. I need Addi to step up her defensive game this year. Her scoring will go up because she is not scared to shoot.”
Little on Young: “Hayden started most of the games last year when my seniors went down. She is a guard who can shoot the three when needed. I really like her aggressiveness on the defensive end. I look for her to really be a big part of our team’s success this season.”
Little on Flores: “Erica received the most improved award at the end of the season last year. She has a lot of potential and will work hard.”
Jayden North and Riley Horton will be newcomers.
Little on North: “I am excited that Jayden is playing this year. She is the type of girl I missed last year. She will play hard nose defense and is willing to do whatever it takes to get the ball. She will play inside and I look for her to grab many rebounds.”
Little on Horton: “Riley is our only ninth grader. As a junior high player, she was aggressive and worked hard. She will have to learn to be stronger with and without the ball.”
Hurley opens the season on Dec. 3 at School of the Ozarks.
“We expect to push for a district title,” Little said. “We lost several close games last season and with our experience I feel we can win those games. But we must play every game like it’s our last game.”
