By Chris Parker
Plato girls basketball has a new head coach in Ryan Pimentel this season. He inherits a team coming off a 4-16 season.
“We will be very young this season,” Pimentel said. “We are going to focus on fundamentals and doing the little things right. Our goal will be to get a little better each day. If we can do that, I am confident that we can get this program headed in the right direction.”
Junior Aspen Hazelwood is a returning starter. She started in 19 of 20 games last season averaging 6.5 points per game.
“She will be our primary ball handler and one of our team leaders,” Pimentel said. “She works hard and always has a positive attitude.”
Aarika Todd saw action in all 20 games as a freshman last season. She averaged 2.6 points per game.
“Aarika is a talented sophomore who I believe will be an integral part of this program moving forward,” Pimentel said.
Sophomore Estella Turner played in 14 games last year with 3.5 rebounds per game.
“Estella gives us some size and strength around the basket,” Pimentel said. “She will be asked to play a big role on this year’s team. I expect her to do a lot of good things for us this year.”
Marissa Drake missed her freshman season due to injury. Chloe Cook, Sophia Craddock, Kaylea Lavoie, Kaylynn Bilderback, Aubrey Hightower and Payton Pimentel are all freshmen who could see varsity action.
