Hickory Lady Hornets
Head coach: Matt Fabian
2019-20 Record: 13-10
Playoffs: Lost to Harbor Creek in D10 Class 5A quarterfinals, 37-29
Top returning players: Aniyah Anderson Sr. F, 10.1 ppg; Emily Duncan, Jr. G, 5.7 ppg.; McKenzie Gustas, Jr., G, 6.6 ppg; Malana Beach, Soph., G
Top players lost: Reanna Daniels (graduated) – Averaged 14.3 points her senior season, made 22 3 pointers and shot 178 free throws
Key newcomers: Mariah Swanson – Freshman Guard – Feisty guard who plays the game the right way. Never takes a play off and hates to lose! Really worked hard in the offseason to improve her game and it’s clear it paid off.
Keys to the season: We have to be able to execute our offense effectively. Last season we had a tendency to have lulls in games where we would go a few minutes without scoring. In order to be successful, this can not happen. Consistency will be a big key for us on the offensive end. On the defensive end we need to be able to rebound the ball and prevent the second chance opportunities.
Things your team was doing during the COVID-19 pause of winter sports: We are handling the COVID situation as best as possible. We continue to tell the girls it’s a day by day thing. Be smart when you’re in school, who you’re around and practice the measures put in place. Before the shutdown we had about six practices in and I thought we were really starting to gel as a team when the shutdown order was issued. Biggest key to returning is getting ourselves back in shape and getting back in the flow of the game. Basketball is not an easy game to start and stop.
