Hickey, now playing at the College of the Ozarks, led the Lady Bulldogs in all major statistical categories as she averaged 15.5 points, eight rebounds and four assists per game.
“Keys for us to be successful will be how our young kids adapt to Varsity basketball. We will be young and inexperienced but I think we will have a good chemistry on the floor,” said Blue Eye head coach Ken Elfrink, who is entering his 15 season at the helm of Blue Eye. “Rebounding will be a key for us and how well we defend will depend a lot on our success.”
Sophomore Tressa Linson will be looked to as the 5-foot-3 guard was honorable mention All-SWCL last season after averaging 10 points and 2.5 assists per game.
Other returning contributors are junior post player Cheyenne Sheets and senior guard Taylor Miller. Sheets averaged 10 points and seven rebounds last season, while Miller was good for five points and three boards per game.
With the point production of Hickey lost to graduation, Elfrink will look for his girls to step it up on the defensive end.
“Hopefully (we are a) hard-nosed grind it out defensive team,” Elfrink said. “We plan to be prepared for every contest and play to the best of our ability.”
Filling out other key spots on the floor and in the rotation will be senior Aubree Riepl along with a slew of sophomores in Bailey Albertson, Hannah Smith, Jordan Long, Nikki Clark and Autumn Sheets.
Even with some new faces having to step up, Elfrink has high hopes for his team this season.
“We always expect to be very competitive and fight for a Conference championship,” Elfrink said. “Our goal is to continue to improve as the season progresses and be playing our best basketball come district time.”
Blue Eye opens the season on Monday, Nov. 19 at home against Hollister. The Lady Bulldogs will then host their home Invitational the following week.
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