By Chris Parker
Verona girls basketball will have a young team with no seniors on the roster this season.
Four players do return with experience for what is a tight-knit team.
“Our biggest strength this year will be our bond with each other,” Verona head coach Shara Yandall said. “We have some seasoned players that can have a huge impact on the team. We are going to work hard as a coaching staff to keep these girls on each other’s side. With being few in numbers, we will need to support each other the best we can in order to play the game the way we know how to play.”
The four returning players are juniors Jaicee Carrasquillo, Taylor Baker and Whitlee Cornelison and sophomore Jaidyn Long.
Yandall on Carrasquillo: “Jaicee Carrasquillo will be returning to the varsity lineup. She is always a hard worker in practice and during games. Her experience and knowledge of the game will make her a natural leader for the team.”
Yandall on Baker: “Taylor Baker will be a consistent starter this season. She also brings experience and hustle to the team. She plays the game with maturity and can find the right place to be at, at the right time.”
Yandall on Cornelison: “Whitlee Cornelison brings strength and persistence to the team. This is her third year starting on varsity. She is a very versatile player that can pick up any position on the court.”
Yandall on Long: “Jaidyn Long will be starting consistently this season as well. She brings athleticism to the team. With hard work, she can also be a versatile player on the court. Last year she didn’t play much, but this year we will depend on her a lot.”
The rest of the team will be newcomers playing high school basketball for the first time according to Yandall.
“We are working towards improving from last year with our record, but more importantly we would like to see the girls get back what they put into this season,” Yandall said. “We would like them to see what hard work and dedication can do. Our measurement of success this season will be based on our ability to stay in the game, the entire game, no matter who we are playing.”
Verona opens the season Nov. 23-27 at its home tournament.
