Nine returning letter winners aim to lead the Southwest girls basketball team to a winning season this year, and the Lady Trojans say the only thing in their way is themselves.
Destiny Jalbert, Southwest girls basketball coach, said the Lady Trojans feel some pressure this year to perform well.
“We have a lot to prove this year, so each night is our biggest game,” she said.
“I feel that our biggest opponent is ourselves. Our record last year did not compliment the growth that took place, but over the summer, the girls started seeing the fruit from their labor that they have been putting in. Several of our sophomores (Allison Harling, Brianna Hufford and Makaila Anderson) showed that they are ready to fight for some time on the varsity. We have a great combination of height and speed on our floor this year. With our experience and newcomers I expect to see a winning season, possibly winning some tournaments, and great growth.”
The seniors on the team agreed with Jalbert, telling their coach they feel their teamwork has improved, and the only ones that can stop them now are themselves.”
Southwest lost a lone member from last season, Olivia Ayer, and it has two seniors taking on the mantle this season.
“Anna Church was named our “Executive” award last year — she keeps our team playing smooth and at top speed,” Jalbert said. “When she is given an assignment, I have no doubt she will make sure it happens. I am expecting to see her lead this year with her maturity with knowing when to take her shot, when to drive, when to give the assist, and to continue to drive other teams crazy with her speed, defense, and grit.
“Cally Bowyer is a hustler and very quick. I am expecting her to continue to find her way into the lane with the ball this year and to finesse her jump, stop and finish.”
Church is the lead returning scorer, averaging 7.5 points per game, and junior Lyric Bernard is just behind her at 7.3.
“Lyric is an athlete that I expect to be and do everything,” Jalbert said. “She is our No. 3 guard and she stepped into that role very well last year. She is hard to guard and to keep off the boards. She sees the floor well and isn’t afraid to give up the ball or take it to the basket whichever is needed. I expect to see her continue that role and to be a stronger defender this year. I think teams will dread knowing she is playing against them.” Fellow junior Alexis Raucstadt is described by her coach as a defensive powerhouse.
“She has quick feet and beats her opponents to the spot,” Jalbert said. “She took 13 charges last year. I expect her to continue her hard work defensively, she has worked hard over the summer to build her offensive game, so I am expecting to see her as a person people hate guarding and being guarded by.”
Beyond those four, another quartet of sophomores bolster the lineup.
“Kelsee Merritt has the capability to play any position on the floor; she rebounds well and can also handle the ball when needed,” Jalbert said. “I expect her to build on those skills and see more time on varsity this year. Laura Henry is a great point guard who worked on building confidence and trusting her instincts last year. I am expecting to see her breakout this year and to fully trust herself. I am not sure this one knows what she is capable of, but when she finally just quits thinking and plays, she will probably surprise everyone.
“Kaleigh Tull is very quick and is gaining a great understanding of the game. I expect to see her become more comfortable with driving toward the hoop and gaining her confidence that her size and speed are a rarity. Montana Skelton is such a hard worker. With last year just being her second year ever getting to play a full season, she showed so much growth. She is a very coachable athlete. She is very strong physically and I expect to see her playing very valuable minutes this year.”
Southwest also has a junior move in from Pea Ridge, Alyssa Russell, and a senior foreign exchange student from Holland, Feanne Damen.
Southwest started the season at the Verona Tip-Off Classic, defeating rival Wheaton, 61-31, but falling to Marionville, 58-34, and Jasper, 64-46. The Lady Trojans’ home opener against Aurora was a 62-16 loss, and they play next at Marionville on Thursday.
