After a disappointing loss in the opening round of the 6th District tournament cut short a promising season last year, the Union County girls’ basketball team looks to have all the pieces in place for a deep postseason run in 2023-24.
The Bravettes fell 49-26 to Webster County to put an end to an 18-11 campaign, bringing a close to the career of sharpshooter Madison Morris. Morris led the squad with 19.4 points per game while knocking down 61 three-pointers at a 42% clip. Coach Cory Coble will also need to replace the production of second-leading scorer Katelyn Hagan, who connected on 65 triples during her senior season.
However, firepower from behind the arc remains in senior guard Lillian Goodloe after she drilled a team-high 79 three-pointers while posting just under ten points per game. Joining Goodloe in the backcourt, Paige Steward will transition to the point guard spot after chipping in almost seven points and just over three rebounds per game as a junior.
In the post, senior Cadence Coker will man the center spot, while seniors Ella Gough and Jaci Curry will play as stretch-fours after leading the team in rebounds with 5.9 and 4.5 per game, respectively.
Seniors Annie Beaven and Paisley Eckman will also be in the rotation, with Coble pointing to the defensive intensity each brings to the team.
After appearing in only six games last year, junior Dana Curry will occupy a much bigger role as the Bravettes’ starting small forward. Coble also expects production off the bench from underclassman Bri Bell.
Union County is set to open the season on Tuesday with a visit from Madisonville-North Hopkins. Hopkins County Central awaits in the Kentucky 2A Sectional Championship on December 18 before the Bravettes hit the road to face Christian County, Hancock County, and hosts Marshall County at the Marshall County Holiday Classic December 20-22. They’ll close out 2023 with a matchup with Daviess County at the Tonya Wells Christmas Classic at Madisonville.
A district rematch with Webster County is scheduled for January 19. The Bravettes won both regular-season matchups with the Lady Trojans last season. Region queens Henderson County, winners of ten of the last 11 region titles, are in the midst of a coaching transition and may be vulnerable. Union will go on the road to test the Lady Colonels in late January.
