By Chris Parker
Everton girls basketball is hoping for a breakthrough season this year with all five starters returning. The Lady Tigers won just two games last year, but are poised to improve upon that total this year.
A pair of seniors are among those five returning starters.
Jazzmenn Luney earned Second-Team All-Mark Twain Conference honors last year. She averaged 13.9 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.2 steals per game last year.
“Jazzmenn is our senior post player and our top weapon on offense and is a great rebounder,” Everton head coach Jennifer Miller said. “If she can lead the offense consistently, we will definitely be able to compete. Juggling performance and leadership will be essential for her success as well as the team’s.”
Ezra Wood averaged 9.1 points, 3.1 steals and 2.9 rebounds per game as a junior.
“Ezra is one of the hardest workers I’ve ever coached,” Miller said. “She sets the tone for us. She is quick and fearless. She had some really good games on the offensive side of the ball last year. We look for that success to carry into this season.”
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Five sophomores in Jordan Daniels, Kenzie Sartin, Abigail Bassett, Hailey Gilmore and Alleigh Ennis all return after seeing varying amounts of varsity action last year. Daniels and Sartin were the top scorers among that group at 2.3 per game.
“Our sophomores had a bit of a trial by fire in their freshman campaign,” Miller said. “They filled six of the eight spots on our roster.”
Miller on Daniels: “Jordan is a tough, scrappy defender and will be called upon more this season to help run the offense.”
Miller on Sartin: “After the experience gained in the previous season, we look for Kenzie to be a bigger presence for us in the post.”
Miller on Bassett: “Injuries sidelined Abby several times over the course of last season. We look to have her back healthy this year.”
Miller on Evans: “Alleigh only got to play six games for us last year but was a great help for us off of the bench. We are excited to have her back for a full season.”
Brooke Smith and Lizzy Shearer will return to the court for their senior seasons after sitting out last year.
“We are excited to have her (Smith) back to share ball handling responsibilities. Brooke understands the game and anticipates well on defense. We look forward to seeing her in action again for her senior season,” Miller said. “(Shearer) is a tough player who is not afraid of contact and moves through the lane well. We are very excited to have her return.”
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Juniors Mya Dye and Lexi McCray along with sophomore Paige Nichols and freshmen Lily Mygan, Victoria Mondragon, Jazmyne Kelley, Miley Tune and Robin McCray will be other new faces to the varsity team this year.
The Lady Tigers open the regular season at the Verona Tournament Nov. 20-24.
“This team has a lot of potential,” Miller said. “The senior group that we have has been grinding it out for years and we are confident in our team. We should have some depth and a little experience to our roster. I think the girls are excited and ready to work. I look for us to have success this season.”
