By Chris Parker
New Heights Christian girls basketball will have a bit of a different philosophy coming off a 19-6 season.
“We will be a different team this year where our guards will be asked to do more than they had to do last year,” New Heights Christian head coach John Blankenship said. “I believe our success will stem from them stepping up and fulfilling new roles, and they are certainly capable of doing that.”
Defensive ace Jesalin Bever returns for her senior season. She averaged 3.3 steals per game with 6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists as a junior.
“She is a defensive specialist,” Blankenship said. “She works really hard on all aspects of the game. She will cause trouble for opposing guards with her defensive pressure. She finishes well around the basket and has a good mid-range jump shot.”
Fellow senior Karly Dorris returns after averaging 3.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game.
“She is also a good defender and finishes well around the basket,” Blankenship said. “She is a physical defender that will fight through screens, and she does a great job with denial defense.”
Allie Stout, also a senior, led the returning players in scoring with 7.6 points per game. She also contributed 2.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game.
“Allie is very fast and runs the floor so well,” Blankenship said. “She and Jesalin are instrumental in our transition game. Allie puts a lot of pressure on the interior of the defense with her ability to get to the basket. She also gives us an outside threat that will stretch the defense and open things on the inside.”
Blankenship is looking for senior post player Lily Lackey to provide production this season. Sophomores Ella Nelson and Julia Sanchez also return this season.
Jenna Quade and Truly Prater are a pair of sophomores looking to contribute to varsity as well.
“I’m hoping they can give us some depth on the bench,” Blankenship said. “We have some new players this year. I’m anxious to see what they can add.”
New Heights Christian opens the season on Nov. 25 at home against RUSH.
“These are great kids that will be coachable,” Blankenship said. “They will work hard, and they will lead well. I’m excited to see how they reshape our team identity this year.”
