By Chris Parker
Purdy girls basketball returns three starters, as the Eagles look to bounce back from a two-win season in coach Stephanie Heman’s second season.
“I really enjoyed my first year back coaching basketball,” Heman said. “Although we didn’t win very many games, there was a great deal of growth last season. We are hoping to build on that and wanting to get some more wins this season. We lost several games by four or less points. They played hard and improved in several areas. This year we will continue to work on fundamentals and our team chemistry.”
Four players with varsity experience return in Ellie Nunez (sophomore), Shelbie Patterson (sophomore), Kenzi Postlewait (sophomore) and Lizett Aldava (junior).
Nunez averaged 7.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game.
“Ellie will play point guard again this season,” Heman said. “She was our second leading scorer. I am looking at her to step up and lead us defensively this year as well as bringing the ball up the court.”
Patterson, an honorable mention all-conference selection, had 5.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2 steals per game.
“Shelbie plays hard defensively,” Heman said. “Her growth throughout the season last year was a huge plus for us. She isn’t afraid to take it to the hole and works hard on the boards.”
Postlewait, also an honorable mention all-conference selection, led the team in scoring at 10.7 points per game to go with 4.5 rebounds, 2 steals and 1.8 assists.
“Kenzi is returning as our leading scorer from last year,” Heman said. “She is quick and likes to get up and down the floor. I am looking for her to help handle the ball this year and be more of a defensive threat.”
Aldava averaged 3 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.
“Lizett was a very deceiving player,” Heman said. “She is so strong and works hard on the inside. Her leadership on the floor is a must this year. I look for her to become more of a scoring threat as well as a defensive treat at the post position.”
Courtney Patterson is a senior returning after not playing for a few seasons.
“She is very athletic and works hard,” Heman said. “I am excited to see what she can do for us defensively as well as on the boards.”
Freshman Lauren Lamp is in line to see minutes right away.
“For her size Lauren is very deceiving,” Heman said. “She is strong and quick. She has a nose for the basketball and getting into position to rebound. She works hard and I see her being a big contributor for us defensively.”
Purdy opens the regular season Nov. 22-26 at the Verona Tip-Off Classic.
