Football may still be ongoing, but a new season of Indianola Academy basketball is just ahead for the IA Lady Colonels and Colonels.
With Head Coach Allen Hill once again guiding both varsity basketball programs, the first night’s action of a 22-game schedule is slated for next Tuesday at Central Holmes Christian School in Lexington.
Meanwhile, the IA teams will have their home court debut next Thursday when Deer Creek School of Arcola visits the IA gym.
Game times for both evenings’ play is to be announced.
As for the Lady Colonels, they recently picked up two wins in four games played in last week’s IA Preseason tournament.
That early success is encouraging for the Lady Colonels who have but two returning starters back on the court this season.
Per Coach Hill, who is entering his 13th season guiding IA’s varsity basketball programs, “We have good numbers (of players) so a deep bench could help.”
However, the flip side of that situation creates a concern for the veteran coach as with “Only two starters returning, we will have a lot of new faces on the court.”
Those two starters Coach Hill will be leaning on for leadership are senior guard Arianna Allen and junior forward Maggie Jenkins.
With a roster of 13 players made up of three seniors, five juniors, and five sophomores, there is a lengthy list of Lady Colonels who can possibly make an impact on the court this season.
Among those listed are Chastity Brown, Jordan Ferrell, Julia Davis, Jilly Woodard, Meri Addyson Donahoe, Faith Mooneyham, Sara Hendon, Amy Van and Presley Bradshaw.
Regarding District 1-4A play, the competition facing IA will come from Marshall Academy of Holly Springs, North Delta School of Batesville, Lee Academy of Clarksdale, and Kirk Academy of Grenada.
Coach Hill expects Kirk Academy, Lee Academy, and Marshall Academy to field strong girls teams this new season.
