GIRLS

Coach: Staci Simeroth

22-23 Record: 5-13

After a season of gaining game time experience “under fire”, the Lady Pirates enter to 2023-24 campaign with an expectation of playing winning basketball as six seniors will anchor the roster along with a much anticipated return of a couple of players who were sidelined by injury. One of last year’s young guns Emily Dailey (So.) a VYPE Top 100 nominee, will return to the point guard position to run the Lady Pirates attack where she averaged 10.5 points per game.

“She’s an all-around player who can handle the ball as well as score and play aggressively on defense,” explained head coach Staci Simeroth. “Emily handled the pressure of playing as a freshman with grace and desire.” After breaking into the lineup two years ago, Ricki Huckaby (Jr.) looks to return from an ACL injury that sidelined her last season. “Ricki is a perfectionist that is constantly working to improve her skills,” said the Gore coach. “She’s put in endless hours in the gym to get back on the court this season.” Heading the group of six seniors is Oaklei Thornton (Sr.), a player that Simeroth defines as the “ultimate teammate”. She will be joined by returning veterans Paige Curran (Sr.), Tristan Colbert (Sr.), Andi Summerlin (Sr.), Kaitlyn Bryne (Sr.) and Natalie Casteel. The Pirates also expect to get valuable contributions from sophomores Lily Wooten, Rayleigh Moore, Gracie Bruce and Kennedy Williams along with incoming freshmen Keira Rowe and River Shoemake. “We will be competitive,” confirmed Simeroth, “ a team with good guard depth. We are more physical and handling the ball much better. Our communication on defense will enable us to be a well-rounded team this year.