Miller finished 17-8 with a loss to Crane in the district semifinals in Lady Cardinal Legend Hannah Wilkerson’s first year as head coach of the Lady Cardinals.
Wilkerson had a young team with just two seniors in her first season. The Lady Cardinals were led by first-team all-conference senior Abby Gann and her 15.9 points per game. Dalyn Hadlock was the only other senior on the roster last year, which means Wilkerson has an experienced team returning this year.
“I saw a lot of growth over the summer. We challenged ourselves this summer and played larger schools,” Wilkerson said. “It was not about winning and losing, it was about getting better and by the end of summer I saw our full potential. We played really well as a team and had some younger players step up and do some great things.”
Shayne Mallory returns for her senior season after averaging 12.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game last year. She was the only other player beside Gann to average double figures in scoring.
“Shayne is a fun player to coach. She gives 110% in everything she does. She plays with a lot of heart and always wants to be better,” Wilkerson said. “She just simply does what it takes to win. I have high expectations for her this season. One thing I want her to be better at is more vocal and step up more into a leadership role and help the younger ones.”
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Mallory also led the team in 3-point shooting at 44% from behind the arc.
Lynna Hadlock is returning as the primary ball-handler for the Lady Cardinals after averaging five assists per game. She also scored 8.1 points per game, which was third on the team last year.
“She (Hadlock) has the ability to break you down off the dribble or hit the open jumper. She dished out close to five assists a game which is great, but this year I do not want her passing up open shots,” Wilkerson said. “She shot very well and most importantly consistent the last part of the season and this summer as well. She is a great vocal leader who everyone responds to.”
Bethany Gulick led the team in rebounding at 6.8 per game last season. She will look to do more scoring in her junior season after averaging 7.6 per game as a sophomore.
“(She) was very streaky at times last season,” Wilkserson said. “(As) a junior, I expect her to be more consistent and finish down low when given the opportunity. She has come a long way since her freshman year. She could use her athleticism to her ability.”
Senior Andie Neunschwander along with the sophomore trio of Jazmin McElroy, Sydnee Clark and Jessica Epps will return from last year’s team with expanded roles after strong summers.
Riley Pennington and Tori Collins both return to the court for the Lady Cardinals after not playing last season. Pennington will add size and toughness in the post while Collins’ length will create problems for teams on the defensive end.
Miller steadily improved over last season and over the offseason, and Wilkerson is expecting much of the same over the course of this season.
“My expectations this season is to still be a tough team and never lose sight of our season goals. I think we have great chemistry and the willingness to do what it takes to win,” Wilkerson said. “I expect us to win the games we should, maybe win a few we should not and learn from a loss and move on. By the end of the season, I expect us to be at our very best and compete in a pretty tough district.”
Miller opens the season on Nov. 20 at Billings.
