By Chris Parker
Dixon girls basketball will have a young roster this season with no upperclassmen coming off a 12-14 season.
“We are young and lack varsity experience,” Dixon head coach Scott Ballard said. “We will have to defend extremely well to make up for that.”
Sophomores Jordyn Young, Jaylee Herndon and Alley Yarbrough return this season.
Ballard on Young: “Undersized post that does a really good job of guarding players in the paint. Great three-point shooter.”
Ballard on Herndon: “One of the best rebounders on the team despite being one of the shortest.”
Ballard on Yarbrough: “Great defender that plays hard and can get to the rim.”
Freshmen Inez Ballard, Aaliyah Ford and Sadie Clubb are newcomers.
Coach Ballard on Inez Ballard: “Inez can play 1-5 positions. She has a high basketball IQ and can score on all three levels. One of the top freshmen in the state.”
Ballard on Ford: “Quick guard that can help handle the ball and spot up for the three.”
Ballard on Clubb: “One of the best spot-up shooters on the team this year.”
The sophomore group all saw varsity action last season, while the freshmen will all make immediate impacts.
“Our sophomores really grew playing varsity as freshmen last year and they have continued to improve over the summer,” Ballard said. “Our new freshman group will be a big help handling the ball.”
Dixon opens the season on Nov. 25 at Steelville.
“A successful season will be one that shows tremendous growth in our young players. We would also like to be above .500 with a group comprised mostly of freshmen and sophomores,” Ballard said. “I am really excited about this group of girls. Some have played since preschool together, so the cohesiveness that sometimes is hard to find is already there. This group of girls love to play with and for one another.”
