By Chris Parker
Thomas Jefferson girls basketball went 6-20 last year in what head coach Lindsey Showalter described as a rebuilding year.
Three starters return this season including Anna Hiebert (sophomore), Vivian Sharp (junior) and Haley Orr (senior).
Hiebert led the team in steals, rebounds, blocks and assists and was second in points as a freshman. She averaged 10.7 points and 8 rebounds per game.
“Anna’s ability score at the rim and defend will impact our team this year,” Showalter said. “I am looking forward to seeing her growth this season because she will only get better, as she will at times play positions 1-5.”
Sharp is out with an injury but is a defensive spar when she is on the court.
Orr is the lone senior on the roster.
“Haley, my lone senior, began to let it fly from the arc last season,” Showalter said. “We are expecting her to be a threat on the offensive side of the ball and to contribute alongside our all-around versatile player.”
Cae Wood and Aubrey Freeborg are a pair of freshmen who will make immediate impacts.
“Cae is a sharpshooter but also can create her own shots near the rim. She is tall and lengthy and will be our point guard,” Showalter said. “Aubrey brings energy on the defensive side of the ball and runs the floor well. Ideally, with the defensive presence of Aubrey, we want to get stops to give us an opportunity to score in transition.”
Wood’s addition will help the Lady Cavaliers play faster.
“Last year we didn’t have the speed to get push the ball down the floor, but this year I am thrilled to see how we will move the ball up the floor,” Showalter said.
Thomas Jefferson opens the season on Nov. 25 at home against Sarcoxie.
“We are a young team, and we don’t have a lot of depth on the bench,” Showalter said. “I believe with the numbers we have, if we go out and compete every night, we will give ourselves a shot to win many games. We set a goal this summer to get back to competing for a district championship.”
