VERDIGRIS LADY CARDINALS
Coach: Mike Buntin
OUTLOOK
Despite starting five new starters in the lineup, head coach Mike Buntin is excited to see what this group can accomplish. There will be some young faces on the court, but coach Buntin said this group has worked hard to get where they are heading into the season.
“We return zero starters from last year, but I am still extremely excited about the potential of our team. We work extremely hard and continue to improve each day. We are young and hungry to prove the doubters wrong. This group will be dangerous come playoff time,” said coach Buntin.
Jackie Beauchamp (5-11, So.) is one of several sophomores who may dot the starting lineup when the season tips offs. Beauchamp has preseason accolades and could lead this team as a stretch guard. Callie James (5-4, So.) and Addie Russell (5-8, So.) are two guards the Lady Cardinals will lean on for quality minutes on both ends of the court. Also look for forwards Rilyn Stringfellow (5-10, So.) and Averie Deegan (5-11, So.) to have an important role this season and be the dominant players coach Buntin needs in the paint.
“ ”Daycee Meeks (5-8, Jr.) and Paisley Sparks (5-7, Jr.) will come off the bench and give the Lady Cardinals two players who know the game and will give coach Buntin solid minutes on the floor. Also look for Abbi Rairdon (5-7, Fr.) and Erin Gray (5-5, Fr.), two freshmen who bring a lot of energy and athleticism to the court. Emma Martin (6-0, So.) is a forward who expects to see plenty of time on the court.
Other players to watch include Maren Meador (5-11, Fr.), Roberta Simion (5-6, Sr.), Connelly Mitchell (5-9, Fr.), Trinadee Brown (5-6, Sr.), Claire Vrska (5-6, Fr.), and Quinn Haight (6-0, Fr.). Brown is the hype person for the Lady Cardinals and is constantly uplifting her teammates. “Trinadee has an incredible outlook and personality. I think very highly of her,” said Buntin.
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