By Chris Parker
Plato girls basketball will have a young team coming off an 11-16 season.
“We are a small and young team so we have a lot to improve on, but we know that and are excited for the challenge,” Plato head coach Chris Couch said. “Time on the floor will allow them to grow as a team and individually.”
Senior Tavi Craddock returns to lead the Eagles.
“Tavi Craddock is a tough player with a good amount of varsity experience,” Couch said. “She led the team in steals and charges last year. She has improved every year I have seen her play and expect nothing different this year. She is a hard worker, defensive-minded and a solid primary ball handler. She will be the veteran member of this team, leading a much younger group as we look to grow our program.”
Freshman Riley Hollis and sophomore Aspen Hazelwood will be two top newcomers.
Couch on Hollis: “Riley Hollis is a tall, mobile player who has a well-rounded skillset, able to handle the ball, play inside, score from the outside and play in transition. This allows her to be effective in a lot of matchups. Riley has a good work ethic, always looking to improve in the off-season. We are young this season, so Riley will get ample playing time to find her way and continue to develop into a very solid player.”
Couch on Hazelwood: “Aspen Hazelwood will see a big increase in minutes, coming off the bench last year as a freshman and gaining some experience and needed confidence, I foresee her coming into her own, finding her feet this season and increasing her numbers across the board.”
The Eagles will look to use their team speed to their advantage.
“Our biggest strength this year will be speed and defense,” Couch said. “We hope to play at a faster pace and cause chaos on the defensive end.”
Plato opens the season on Nov. 22 at home against Cabool.
“As a coach, this is always my stance, improvement. Everyone wants to win every game and even if you do that, you must see improvement, growth and increase interest in the sport. So, in short, growth as a player, teammate and as a program, that is a successful season,” Couch said.
