With five seniors returning, Livingston Academy girls basketball head coach Lesley Riddle said this year’s Lady Wildcats are built to surprise people.
The Lady Wildcats finished last season 19-13 overall and 6-5 in District 7-3A. They advanced to the regional finals, then advanced to the state sectional round before having their season ended by Heritage. Riddle said the experience and the lessons that come with it have helped shape the team’s mindset heading into this winter.
“I’d love it if player A scores 20 points in this game on Monday and player B scores 20 points on Tuesday and player C scores 20 points on Thursday,” Riddle said. “If we can become that kind of team, it’ll be hard for teams to defend us and I think we have that capability.”
Among the five returning seniors is Jaycee Collins, who is back after missing most of her junior year with a torn ACL. Riddle said Collins’ return adds both leadership and stability to the lineup.
Riddle said sophomore Reece Collins will take over at point guard this season after leading the team in steals and finishing top ten in the district in that category.
Riddle said she plans to keep opponents guessing with multiple defensive looks from her squad.
“We’re excited to see what these people can do,” Riddle said. “We’ll just go in as the underdog any time. That takes a lot of pressure off.”
Riddle said her biggest takeaway this offseason has been the adaptability has players have shown. Riddle said with last year’s offense often centered around the now-graduated Ellie Butler, the new season is about balance and versatility.
“I think last season we did a lot of watching Ellie,” Riddle said. “So I think we’re trying to learn what each of these individuals can do to become one cohesive team and everybody kind of fit those pieces in together.”
