There is a sense of optimism about the upcoming Indianola Academy Lady Colonels basketball season, and with good reason.
With four returning starters from the previous year which ended with a 10-28 record, IA Head Coach Allen Hill notes he is “excited about this group.”
Listing expected strengths of the team as “good depth, more athletic, and more experienced”, the veteran coach’s primary concern at this point is that his 2017-18 squad will “Have to get better shooting”.
With the official season opening next Tuesday at 6 p.m in the IA gym against Hartfield Academy of Flowood, the Lady Colonels will begin their 23-game and two tournament schedule, a slate which offers ample opportunity for improvement as the season wears on.
As for the players making it happen on the court, returning starters include a pair of seniors and juniors who are expected to lead the team.
While the seniors comprise of guard Sidney Holmes and forward Sarah Grace Manor, junior guards Mary Linton Davis and Anna Berry Stevens bring their experience and athleticism back to the court this season.
Other players expected to make an impact on the court at the guard position include Avery Daniels, Jill Roberts, and Lizzy Smith.
Helping at the forward positions are Allie Rodgers and Oliva Zellner while senior center Sydney Landrum is also expected to be a force on the court.
Aiding Coach Hill through the IA schedule will be assistant coaches Stacy Wilson and Felicia Suddoth.
As for this season’s competition, Coach Hill expects District 1AAA foe Kirk Academy of Grenada to be the team to beat not only in district play, but along with Leake Academy of Madden, to be the primary team to beat in state championship competition.
