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Basketball
US National High School Preview Series
Tue, November 26, 2024 at 06:11 AM . Georgia
The girls’ basketball team at Ringgold High School in Georgia is gearing up for another exciting season on the court. Head coach Kassidy Gaylor has high hopes for the team this year, with a strong group of returning players and promising new additions. In this preview article, we will delve into the team’s strengths, challenges, and expectations for the upcoming season. Coach Gaylor has a specific goal in mind for the team this season – to compete for a region championship. This goal is fueled by the outstanding performances of their top returning players from last season. According to Coach Gaylor, the key to their success will be consistent hard work and determination on every possession. One of the top returning players is Jersey Rae Loy, a sophomore guard who stepped into a starting role last year due to an older player’s absence. Despite being only a freshman, Loy quickly proved herself as a valuable asset to the team, earning a second-team all-region selection. This season, as a more experienced and seasoned player, Coach Gaylor expects her to make an even greater impact on the court. Another returning player to look out for is junior center, Alayna Yarger. Though she began last season as a bench player, an injury to a teammate forced her into the starting lineup, and she thrived in the role. Coach Gaylor is excited to see her step into a leadership position this year, as she is one of the most experienced players on the team. In addition to the strong returning players, the team also has some new faces that are expected to make an immediate impact. Ava Mariakis, a junior guard, is one of these players. Though she saw limited playing time last season, Coach Gaylor has noticed the hard work she has put in during the offseason and has solidified Mariakis as a leader for the upcoming season. With a bigger role on the team, Mariakis is poised to make a significant contribution this year. As with any successful team, leadership is crucial. Coach Gaylor looks for specific qualities in her team captains, such as hard work, determination, and a never-give-up attitude. Captaincy is not something that is handed out, but rather, it is earned. Junior guard Ava Mariakis exemplifies these qualities and has established herself as a strong leader for the team.