By Mark Spillane
Aurora girls basketball finished last year with just eight wins, but three of their losses came by just one point and five losses by three points or less. Head Coach DJ Gutscher believes that will lead to a tough team-mindset this season.
“I feel like we gained a lot from those experiences and know what it is going to take to finish,” Gutscher said.
Leading the way will be two senior leaders, Elizabeth Martin and Nallely Martinez.
Martinez averaged 6.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last year.
“She has the ability to score at all three levels,” Gutscher said. “This summer she really improved defensively. She will be vital in the success we have taking care of the ball. Over the last four years she has matured a lot and will be expected to help lead us this year. She is willing to do what it takes for our team to have success.”
Martin, an All-Big 8 East Second-Team selection, contributed in a big way with 12.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game last year.
“[She] is a playmaker. She has played varsity for four years. Because of her versatility and mindset, she has played multiple positions throughout her high school career. She should finish her career as a 1,000 point scorer,” Gutscher said.
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They’ll be joined by seniors Brookelynn Sandoval and Mattie Sparks and junior Brooke Schutte as other key contributors.
However, perhaps no returner will contribute more than sophomore Ellie Creasey. The All-Big 8 East Honorable Mention averaged 13.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game last season.
“[Ellie] had a very good freshman year but her actions this summer show us she is not satisfied. She has worked extremely hard this offseason on becoming stronger and more athletic,” Gutscher said.
Freshmen Jacey Lee and Jacey Wilcox along with sophomore Aurianna Phillips are expected to contribute as newcomers on the team.
All in all, the Lady Houns should be poised to improve on last year’s results.
“I am excited about this season, I think we will be very competitive. We have spent the past couple of years establishing expectations. Our players have developed a tough mindset. That has led to kids being gritty and relentless,” Gutscher said.
Aurora opens the year with a home game versus McDonald County on Nov. 24.
