By Chris Parker
Thomas Jefferson girls basketball is coming off the program’s best season in many years. The Lady Cavaliers went 17-10 and won a district championship last season.
New players will need to step up this season.
“We are a considerably young team for the most part and we lost four crucial players from last year who either graduated or are not returning,” Thomas Jefferson head coach Lindsay Showalter said. “Those four made up well over 90% of our offensive scoring. We will need kids to step up on the offensive end to find ways to put the ball in the hole.”
Three upperclassmen return from that team in seniors Presley Long and Keira Onyango and junior Haley Orr.
Showalter on Long: “Presley Long is our starting point guard. Presley’s freshman and sophomore years were diminished with injury. Last year as a junior, she played timid throughout the season, but toward the end of the year I saw glimpses of her breaking out of that. This summer Presley gained confidence and worked hard to get stronger. I look for her to play with confidence, shoot the three effectively, and be a great leader.”
Showalter on Onyango: “Keira Onyango is a small forward/power forward who has not seen a lot of varsity minutes through her career, but last year I was able to incorporate her into our rotation and she had an impact defensively on the floor. She hustles and is a great rebounder. I look for Keira to be a threat on the offensive end as we will need her to score consistently.”
Showalter on Orr: “Haley Orr is our starting small forward. Haley has size and is quick but has never looked to be a threat on the offensive end. She is a pest on the defensive side of the ball, but we are looking for her to break out on the offensive side of the ball.”
Freshman Anna Hiebert and sophomore Emmie Sweeny will be newcomers.
Showalter on Hiebert: “Anna Hiebert will be an upcoming newcomer who will have a tremendous impact on our team both offensively and defensively. She will play whatever position I need her to and will be ready to play positions 1-5. She is strong and has some height to her. I will look for her to get downhill and attack the rim. She has a good midrange shot that I am looking to develop throughout the season.”
Showalter on Sweeny: “Emmie Sweeny (So.) is joining our team this year and will bring intensity on the defensive side of the ball. She is scrappy and works hard. She is currently out with an injury she sustained in volleyball, but once she returns, we will look for her to have a presence in the paint with her length.”
Sweeny’s defensive help will be important, as the Lady Cavaliers look to be strong in that department.
“Scoring in the halfcourt will be challenging at times, so I look for our team to be strong defensively, so we are able to run the floor and get out in transition to get easy buckets,” Showalter said.
Thomas Jefferson opens the regular season on Nov. 25 at Exeter.
“Realistically speaking, this is a rebuilding year for our team,” Showalter said. “I consider this season a success if we continue to work hard each and every day to be better and grow as individuals and as a team. I envision seeing change from the beginning to the end of the season. “
