Three returning players keys for Cobden girls

First-year Cobden High School girl’s basketball coach Travis Foster has two starters and a part-time starter returning to build a successful season around for 2009-2010.

Returning for the Appleknockers from last year’s squad, which advanced to the supersectional and finished 27-5, are senior Taylor Orsburn, a 5-6 guard, and junior Ana Duda, a 5-7 guard. The returning part-timer is senior Mara Hackethal, a 5-9, guard-forward.

“If we play well, I like our chances,” Foster said. “I think we’ve got a good shot at coming together (as a team).”

Duda, who was the leading scorer last year, averaging 12 points per game, was a South Egyptian all-conference selection last season.

“She’s one we’re going to look to score for us,” Foster said. “She can score in a lot of different ways.”

Foster said Duda and Orsburn will both be 3-point shooting threats for Cobden this season.

“We’re hoping to get a lot from our guards,” Foster said. “That’s where we are the most experienced.”

The other senior on the squad is Katelyn Wiggs, a 5-9, forward.

Juniors who could contribute are Kayla Quertermous, 5-10, forward; Maria Piper, 5-10, center, Jordyn Grey, 5-7, guard-forward; and Alysha Bottje, a 5-6 guard.

Sophomores on the varsity are Bekah Russell, a 5-6 guard, and Katie Mowell, a 5-5 guard.

“We’re quick,” Foster said. “We’re not real big,  we’re going to try and get up and down the floor.”

Foster  sees Goreville and Cobden as the teams most likely to vie for the South Egyptian Conference crown this season.

The Appleknockers are the two-time defending champions of the Lady Bobcat tournament at Meridian, which begins this week.

Cobden was to have played Meridian in opening round action.