The Dawson Springs girls have struggled with numbers in their program and that’s made it difficult to win games on the court.
The Lady Panthers went just 4-16 a year ago. The small school in Hopkins County has traditionally labored in what is usually a stout 7th District and 2nd Region field. The last winning season for the Lady Panthers came in the 2002-03 season when they finished 12-10.
But numbers are beginning to turn around in the program — and new head coach Jon Palmer has two starters to build around this season in freshman twins Ashtyn and Baylee Swatzell.
“They will provide much-needed experience and leadership on the floor to a team that is only returning two starters,” said Palmer.
Baylee Swatzell is the top returning scorer from last year at 5.3 points a game as the Lady Panthers averaged just 24.4 points as a team.
But Dawson has some different faces from last season, which should help in that regard this season.
Senior guard Hailey Oldham is returning after missing her junior season due to an injury. “She will provide leadership on the floor,” said Palmer.
Sophomore guard Briley Sawyer is a transfer from Webster County. “She is an excellent shooter, works hard every day, and sets the tone in practice.”
Sophomore guard/forward Alyssa Allison is returning to basketball after missing her freshman season. “She will play the 3 and 4 spots depending on the other personnel on the floor,” Palmer noted. “She has a motor that never shuts off … always going 110 percent.”
Another sophomore, Emmie Colson (guard/forward), Lexi Hunter (junior post) and Miley Lowe (junior guard) are all returning players that saw extensive playing time last year.
Eighth grade guard/forward Olivia Hines and seventh grade guard Alieah Cook are both expected to contribute this year as well.
It’s an extremely young team, but it’s an encouraging group to build around for the future.
However, Palmer is looking to compete sooner rather than later.
“This year’s team will be very young. We are returning one junior, two sophomores, two freshmen and two eighth graders. Our first few weeks of practice have been spent getting to know each other, learning new terminology, a new philosophy, and new expectations.
“There haven’t been a lot of expectations for Dawson Springs girls basketball in recent years. One of the main thoughts that we have been preaching to the team is, ‘Get your expectations up.’ As a coaching staff, we are not going to settle for low expectations — and we are not going to allow our players to either. We expect to compete with every team we face this season.”
The Lady Panthers will tip off the new campaign Monday, Dec. 2, at home against Christian Fellowship School.
PLAYER UNDER THE RADAR
Sawyer could be just the shooter the Lady Panthers have been looking for to help them out on the offensive end. Keep an eye on the transfer this season.
BIG GAMES
The All A Classic is big every year and Dawson Springs will host a first round game this season. However, the Lady Panthers have drawn Lyon County in the first round and the Lady Lyons are considered one of the favorites to win the regional All championship.
OUTLOOK
The 2024-25 season will be a growing process for the Lady Panthers, with Palmer saying he just wants to see the team, “compete — play hard every minute of every game, regardless of our opponent. Become comfortable with the fundamentals of the game of basketball and have those show up in games. Keep things in perspective and get better every day.”
In the 7th District, Palmer says, “Madisonville-North looks like the team to beat again, however, Hopkins County Central is coming off a run that ended in the region championship game last season, so they will definitely have some momentum and confidence heading into this season.”
As for the 2nd Region: “Henderson County has to be the team to look at. They are coming off a trip to the Sweet 16 last season. I mentioned Hopkins County Central’s run last year. And you can never overlook Hopkinsville and Christian County.”
