Lady Wildcats basketball team gearing up for opener at Harrisburg Tournament

Anna-Jonesboro Community High School girls’ basketball coach Matt Denny likes what he sees so far in this year’s team.

“We’ve got some basketball players,” Denny said. “And practices are a lot more intense.”

Several of his players played in summer leagues to get valuable playing experience for this season.

“The kids really worked hard during the summer,” Denny noted.

Denny likes the quickness on the floor of this year’s squad.

“We’re going to be able to get down the floor and put the pressure on,” Denny said. 

Only two seniors return from last year’s 13-17 team to build around this season.

The two returning seniors are 5-9 forward Angel Helm and 5-7 guard Sydney Heath.

Other seniors in the lineup are 6-0 center Jacee Woodward, 5-6 guard Julie Ellis, 5-7 guard Morgan Wendling and 5-1 guard Atarah Hart.

Juniors in the mix are 5-8 guard Mikayla Bundren and 5-6 guard Raegan Cruse.

Sophomores on the squad are 5-7 guard Jaley Watkins, 5-8 forward Anna Hess, 5-6 guard Olivia Capel and 5-6 guard Jera Reynolds.

Freshmen who could see some playing time are 5-7 guard Kristin Edmonds, 6-1 center Kaya Coleman, 5-6 guard Marlee Smith, 5-8 guard Addison Denny, 5-7 forward Chloe McFarland, 5-9 forward Darci McMahan, 5-8 Ana Markovic and 5-11 forward Campbell Belcher.

“I would be disappointed if we’re not above .500,” Denny said.

Denny noted the Southern Illinois River-to-River Conference Mississippi Division is going to be strong this season, with both Carterville and Pinckneyville returning competitive squads.

The Lady Wildcats open their season in the Harrisburg Tournament Nov. 19-24. A-J begins tourney action against Edorado at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 20.