Coming off the best finish in school history, Edward Little’s aim is to keep rolling.
“We lost three really good players and the league is really strong, but we think we’re going to be able to contend against anybody on any given night,” Red Eddies coach Craig Jipson said.
To pick up where they left off, which was at the first state championship appearance in program history, the Eddies need to find a way to replace Emily Jacques, Karli Stubbs and Francesca-Beth Haines.
Defense shouldn’t be an issue.
“Jordyn Reynolds might be the best shot-blocker in the history of the program,” Jipson said. “Kaylee Jipson and Piper Norcross make the press go.
“We’ll be good defensively; it’s a question of where points are going to come from.”
Craig Jipson said Reynolds should increase her scoring output, and Norcross, the point guard, will have to take on more of an offensive load, as will sophomores Jade Perry and Grace Fontaine.
The complete lineup is still being sorted out because, Craig Jipson said, the Eddies have “inexperienced depth.” Role players from last year will be taking on more significant responsibilities, and the spots they leave need to be filled.
“Grace Fontaine didn’t play a lot last year; she may never come off the court this year,” Craig Jipson told the Sun Journal last month. “Last year, Jade Perry was our sixth or seventh option. This year, she’ll be our third option. That’s just high school basketball. You’re always looking for kids to make (the step to) that next level.”
Coach: Craig Jipson, 12th year
Conference: KVAC; Class: AA North
Last year’s results: 16-5 (lost in AA state championship game)
Returning athletes: Seniors — Kaylee Jipson, Jordyn Reynolds, Caleigh Copeland; Juniors — Piper Norcross, Taylor Depot, Julia Milks; Sophomores — Jade Perry, Grace Fontaine.
Key losses: Emily Jacques, Karli Stubbs, Francesca Haines.
Promising newcomers: Junior — Savannah Fisher; Sophomore — Kiara Fournier; Freshmen — Chantel Ouellette, Caroline Hammond, Lydia Celani.
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