By Chris Parker
Lockwood finished 6-20 overall in coach Rylee Neill’s first season as head coach. Expect that number to increase in year two with an experienced group returning.
“This team will rely heavily on experience,” Neill said. “Our group of seven juniors have played varsity level basketball since day 1 of their high school careers.”
Adrien Neill, Grace Wilson and Gatlyn Clawson return as the team’s three leading scorers.
Neill scored 12 points per game with 4 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game. She was named honorable mention all-conference.
“She has a high basketball IQ, sees the court to distribute to her teammates, is versatile on both ends of the floor, and competes every night,” Coach Neill said. “We expect her to be a leader both on and off the court.”
Clawson poured in seven points per game to go with 3 rebounds and 2.7 steals per game.
“Gatlyn Clawson is a versatile player we can count on to play any position we need,” Neill said. “She scores well from both inside and out and often has the assignment to match up defensively with the opponents’ top scorer. We are excited to see what she can do this year.”
Wilson added in 4.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game.
“Grace Wilson missed seven games last year due to injury and we were excited to have her back,” Neill said. “She is a quick guard who we rely on for ball handling and defending. Grace is a phenomenal kid who gives her team everything she has and more. We expect her to grow into an even bigger leadership role this season.”
Hannah Steeley, Kelsey Daniel, Payton Wilson and Shae Gray round out the returning junior class.
Neill on Steeley: “Hannah Steeley is a strong inside player for us. She doesn’t shy away from physicality and brings a lot to our team that way.”
Neill on Daniel: “Kelsey Daniel is an athletic, lengthy player who led our team in rebounding last year. She brings an inside presence on both ends our team benefits from.”
Neill on Wilson: “Payton Wilson is a kid who works extremely hard to be the best she can for her team. She grew a lot offensively last year and often has to match up with girls bigger than her. We can count on her to execute anything she is asked.”
Neill on Gray: “Shae Gray is a guard who we can count on to handle the ball and play hard defensively. She is scrappy and can force some turnovers into our favor.”
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Three freshmen in Lyla Prichard, Natalie Wilson and Audrey Sangster enter the program this year.
Neill on Prichard: “Lyla Prichard will be a presence for us on the inside. She is a strong, physical player who we are excited to progress with.”
Neill on Wilson: “Natalie Wilson is a quick, aggressive guard who causes chaos with her defense. Offensively, she made big progress this summer and we are excited to get her going in her high school career.”
Neill on Sangster: “Audrey Sangster is an aggressive player on both ends of the floor. She is eager to make an impact with her defensive intensity.”
The experience gained last season will be key to success this season.
“Experience and speed will be our strength this year,” Neill said. “We will focus on our defensive intensity to contribute to our offense.”
Lockwood opens the season Nov. 28 through Dec. 3 at the Diamond Tournament.
“We want to compete every night and improve collectively as a team,” Neill said. “We made big strides in multiple pieces of the game last year. The key to success this year will be continuing to get better and putting those pieces together.”
