HASKELL HAYMAKERS
GIRLS
Coach: Kyle Ward
22-23 Record: 14-11
There is a high sense of optimism around the Haskell girls’ basketball program this season as veteran coach Kyle Ward returns three starters from a team that turned in the first winning record for the girls in several years. “They are working hard and want to be as good at basketball as they were in softball (21-9 and a trip to the state tournament this fall),” said veteran coach Kyle Ward. The group is headed by Raylin Morgan (5-10, Sr.), a four-year starter who has averaged nine points and 10 rebounds a game over her career. Also grabbing 10 rebounds a game and averaging eight points a game is Rylie Westmoreland (6-0, Jr.). “Despite suffering injuries from a fire when she was young, Riley has never let that slow her down in sports or academics. She was nominated as one of the top 10 softball players in the state this year. I think she has the ability to play either softball or basketball at the next level,” said Ward. Also back are Layla Markou (5-4, Jr.) and Hayden Ward (5-4, Jr.). “Layla is such a high character athlete for us,” said Ward.
“She’s always smiling and always wants to do the right thing. She suffered an ACL injury last year that cut her season short, so we look for big things from her. Hayden is a hard worker who wants to do whatever it takes for her team to win. She became a starter last year and is one who never wants the attention on herself.” Another experienced player back is Kaylee Boutwell (5-6, Sr.). “She’s been a great role player for three years and is well deserving of a chance to start her senior year,” said Ward. Grace Foster (5-2, Sr.) is another experienced player returning along with juniors Taryn Thomas (5-8), Carolina Richards (5-4), and Audrey Richards (5-4). Sophomores seeking playing time include Natalie Deckard (5-4), Akeelah Anderson (5-8), Cheyenna Morgan (5-9), and Deanee Stafford (5-8) along with freshmen Izzie Young (5-8), Madison Humphrey (5-4), Ava Draper (5-6), Kannon Lawley (5-6), Cloey Nelson (5-3) and Ni’Kiyah Hutchinson (5-7).
