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Union County finds itself in a good news/bad news scenario for the upcoming girls’ basketball season. The Bravettes return three starters from last year’s 13-13 team and have a large incoming freshman class that will fill some gaps that were visible last year.
The bad news is that Union County is in a three-team district with region favorites Henderson County and Webster County.
“I think fans can expect a more experienced team this year. We were right in the mix of things in the region last year, and with our three top scorers and rebounders returning, I believe we are ready to compete heavily in the region,” Coach Derek Phillips said.
“I think we will be more balanced on offense and have the depth to be able to be more aggressive on the defensive side with our pressure.”
Union County’s offense will run through its backcourt where its top three scorers from last year are back. Sophomore Madison Morris led the Bravettes in scoring at 10.5 points a game and was second in 3-pointers made.
Junior Mati Hagan missed most of the second half of last season with an injury. She scored nine points and led the team in field goal percentage.
Senior Raelle Beaven scored just under six points a game and at 5-foot-8, she gives Union County the option to use her at the three and the four.
Senior Jralee Robertson is another starter back for Union County after scoring five points a game last year.
Sophomores Reese Hagan and Maggie Hibbs will join junior Kamille Theus in Phillips’ rotation.
Freshman Amelia Mackey headlines a large freshman class that will give Phillips the depth he needs to compete.
“They didn’t get the reps this summer to become familiar with our system and were limited in the weight room,” Phillips said. “It will be important for our kids to be focused to learn quickly and take their conditioning seriously to prepare for the season.”
Like every coach in the state, the effects of COVID-19 on the upcoming season hold the largest unknown.
“We are hoping our girls are ready to continue overcoming the challenges to make a strong push in the district and region,” Phillips said.
