With six returning letter-winners, Highland girls’ basketball coach Whitney Levering-Smith is hoping to improve on last year’s 8-13 record.
While her squad graduated point guard Taylor Belcher and power forward Kelsey Walters, they return a lot of talent in Erica Sardinha, Kenzie Fuller, Raven Tilford, Madison Cecil, Brooklyn Baird and Gena West. Added to the mix will be newcomers Savannah Fitzpatrick, Kennedy Altizer, Payton Carpenter and Darcie Walters.
Levering-Smith wants her team to be in the mix for a conference title, citing their offseason work as a positive.
“I believe that we have grown a lot the past couple of years and the work that some of the players put into the summer program will have a chance to really showcase their growth once the season begins,” she said. “We hope that we can be a team this year known for our defensive tenacity and rebounding, but we are going to have to put in the hard work in practice and have the mindset to do so.”
In the KMAC, Levering-Smith feels Cardington is the team to beat, noting their experience and the amount of work they’ve put in during the offseason. However, she has high hopes her team can contend.
“If our seniors lead like they have been doing this offseason and preseason, I think that we can have a great year and set the bar for future Highlanders,” she said.
