By Chris Parker
Stoutland girls basketball is coming off a 17-9 season with three starters returning.
“I am looking forward to this season because we have a strong senior class who has had success over the last two seasons, as well as a good group of sophomores and freshmen coming in who look to build on the culture the departing seniors have built,” Stoutland head coach Alex Nicholson said.
Leading the way of the returning players is senior Mallory Shaw. Shaw earned all-conference and all-district honors last season after she averaged 18 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals per game.
“Mallory will look to lead us both on the offensive and defensive end of the floor each night,” Nicholson said. “She is one of the top guards in our area.”
Emma Cornelison is also a returning senior starter who averaged 7 points, 2 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals per game.
“Emma will look to continue to improve her all-around game, while remaining a constant threat from the three-point line,” Nicholson said.
Allison Reeves rounds out the returning starters. The senior contributed 2 points and 2 rebounds per game.
“Allison brings a hard work ethic each day and does the small things that most players do not want to do that help make us successful,” Nicholson said. “She also helps keep our team GPA at a high level.”
Savannah Chaffin is looking to step into the starting lineup after coming off the bench as a junior averaging 3 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal per game.
“Savannah will bring the much-needed energy to the court each night after serving as our sixth man last year,” Nicholson said.
Candice Barnwell (junior guard/forward), Jalysa Howlett (sophomore forward), Ella Cornelison (sophomore guard), Amelia Greenwood (freshman center), Cayleigh Carnahan (freshman forward), Lacy Danuser (sophomore guard) and Lily Shearer (senior guard) are all vying for minutes.
Nicholson on Barnwell: “Candice works hard on both ends of the court and will be a big contributor for us pushing for the fifth starting spot.”
Nicholson on Howlett: “Jalysa is an all-around good athlete who rebounds at a high level. We will look to improve her offensive presence this year with potential to push for the fifth starting spot.”
Nicholson on Cornelison: “Ella is a competitive player who will see a bulk of her time at the point. She will also compete for our fifth starting spot.”
Nicholson on Greenwood: “Amelia is a strong post presence who will help our rebounding game and should see some minutes on varsity.”
Nicholson on Carnahan: “Cayleigh is another strong post player who will push to see some varsity time.”
Nicholson on Danuser: “Lacy will look to push for some varsity time.”
Nicholson on Shearer: “Lily is planning to return to the court after taking a year off to focus on softball. She will look to help boost our three-point shooting percentage and keeps the team laughing while traveling.”
The team’s speed will help on both ends of the court.
“Our (offensive) strength will be our speed and ability to finish at the basket. We will have a good mix of three-point shooters as well as players who can drive the lane and finish through contact,” Nicholson said. “Our (defensive) strengths will be our speed and ability to cover the court quickly. We have a lot of players who run cross country in the fall and with the style of small ball we will need to play, it should benefit our defensive scheme well.”
Stoutland opens the season on Nov. 24 at home against Macks Creek.
