By Chris Parker
Mansfield girls basketball has a new head coach in Sam Appleby this season. He takes over a program coming off an eight-win season with six players returning who averaged more than a point per game on varsity.
Cali Lemons was the leading scorer of the returning group at 10.4 points per game. She also had 3.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.9 steals.
“Cali is one of the quickest athletes in the area and does a great job using that on both ends,” Appleby said. “She is also a solid outside shooter.”
Elly Williams led the returning players in rebounding at 6.9 per game to go with her 8.9 points, 2.2 assists and 2 steals per game.
“Elly has the ability to score at all three levels and has good size that will be very valuable for us,” Appleby said.
Haven Tripp is the second-leading returning scorer and rebounder. She averaged 9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
“Haven has a quick first step and is one of the stronger athletes on our team,” Appleby said. “She is also an underrated shooter/playmaker.”
Addie Jones led the returning players in assists with 2.7 and steals with 2.1 per game. She also contributed 8.5 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.
“Addie is a natural athlete who is always looking to make winning plays,” Appleby said. “She has solid instincts on both ends and is relentless at getting to the basket.”
Gentry Alsup added in 1.2 points and 1.3 rebounds per game.
“Gentry has a great motor and we’ll look for her to be a solid 3 and D player for us,” Appleby said.
Chloe Napier comes back after averaging 1.6 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.
“Chloe provides great size that we will need on both ends of the floor,” Appleby said. “She is getting more comfortable with her instincts and will look to take a step up in responsibility from last year.”
Mylee Sullivan rounds out the returning players.
“Mylee is a quick athlete with decent size and has a solid outside shot,” Appleby said.
Freshmen Kayley Kingery, Kendall Sanders, Jacie Ussery and Cheyann Price will look to make immediate varsity impacts.
“Our biggest strengths will be our experience and athleticism,” Appleby said. “Our success will be determined by our ability to stay consistent with our shooting and our focus on every single possession during the season.”
Mansfield opens the regular season on Dec. 6 at Willow Springs.
“We are looking to take a major step forward and compete for a conference/district championship,” Appleby said.
