By Chris Parker
Greenfield girls basketball will be reloading after graduating the top two scorers from last season’s 15-8 squad.
“With losing my top two scorers to graduation, we are going to have to find new ways to score than what we have been used to in the past. Kids are going to be asked to step into roles they aren’t used to,” Greenfield head coach Loganne Hickman said.
Senior Adriauna Wallen and junior Morgan Wright will be team leaders this year.
Wallen averaged 6.5 points and 5 rebounds per game in the post last year.
“Adriauna is our returning center and she stepped up tremendously last season. When our outside shooters weren’t hitting, Adriauna was lead scorer in a handful of games. Adriauna wrapped last year with several double-double games as well. I look for her to bring intensity to the paint and lead as a senior,” Hickman said.
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Wright averaged 10.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.5 steals and 2.7 assists per game as a sophomore.
“Her defensive motor and mentality translate to easy transition buckets and I look for her pick up right where she left off. She’s an extremely athletic kid and I look her to keep improving and pushing our team in the right direction both defensively and putting points on the board,” Hickman said.
Senior Hattie Taylor is another returning varsity player that will have a significant impact this year.
“Hattie is our bulldog. She’s hands down the toughest kid on the team and is the epitome of playing with heart. She is only five-foot-two, but normally takes on bigger players due to her sheer physicality. Hattie does the little jobs that sometimes can get overlooked, but make a huge impact. She makes her teammates better,” Hickman said.
A strong freshman class will be key for Greenfield. That group includes Marlie Wright (guard), Tatum Torres (guard/forward), Trista Torres (guard), Haley Gossett (forward) and Jasmine Feezell (forward/center).
“I have had these five through their junior high years and this is the most all around athletic class I have had thus far at Greenfield. This group is extremely competitive and push each other in every aspect of the game. I know there will be a learning curve transitioning into the high school speed, but I have no worries this group will make strides quickly. I’m excited to get rolling with them,” Hickman said.
“Speed will be a strength for us this season. We will be small and guard-heavy with high motor kids. Our style of play is going to change up tremendously,” Hickman said.
Greenfield will be young, but that will not temper the expectations for the Lady Wildcats.
“My expectations for this group is to rise to the occasion. I look for us to be highly competitive this year and I do not want to fall back on being a young team to lessen our drive. We may be young, but I know this group can accomplish exciting things right off the bat if they truly buy in, embrace the changes coming, and work,” Hickman said.
Greenfield will open the season on Nov. 25 at Everton.
