The Union County Bravettes were a team that many people knew would be tough in the postseason if they could make their way out of the always rugged 6th District. The Bravettes were able to do just that, knocking off Webster County in the district semi-finals and advancing to the region title game before falling to Henderson County in the championship.
Coach Derek Phillips returns a core nucleus of starters and experience that he feels will put the program back in a top position in the region.
Junior point guard Madison Morris averaged 10.5 points in leading the Bravettes last year.
“She will be one of the top players in the region to watch with her ability to handle the basketball and score from any spot on the floor,” Phillips said.
Joining Morris in the backcourt is outside threat Amelia Mackey. The sophomore averaged 10.4 points and shot 40-percent from 3-point range.
Senior guard Mati Hagan is a solid defender and averaged seven points and two rebounds last year. Phillips also likes the scoring he expects to get from junior Reese Hagan and sophomore Lillian Goodloe.
While undersized, Phillips thinks Ella Gough, Maggie Hibbs, and Kamille Theus can hold their own in the paint.
“This team will be a deeper team this year than last season because of the experience returning and the girls we have who have worked hard to play varsity basketball,” Phillips said. “This team is very coachable and works hard so getting lots of young girls early reps to make a strong push at the end of the season will be the key.”
Union County hosts Madisonville Tuesday in a season opener that features a pair of teams picked to be in the region’s top three in 2021-22.
