Ladycats look to exceed expectations and defend district title

By: Stacey Myers 

   The Pendleton County Ladycats basketball team looking to extend last season’s success into this season with returning second year head coach Patrick Kelsch along with his staff of Greg Wolfe, Travis Keeton, and newcomer Brittany Burden.

 Last season was one of the most successful in program history as the team won its first district title in a decade while notching a program-best 21 victories. This season’s team is viewed from the outside as one that will go through a rebuild but Kelsch doesn’t view it that way at all. He prefers the term “reload” as his new-look squad looks to exceed expectations in defending their district championship.

 Coach Kelsch says the goals set this season are to represent Pendleton County with class, hard work and dedication. The Ladycats have a very rich tradition and they are looking to add to that each and every year. All the Ladycats have worked hard in the off season to be able to accomplish goals they have set for themselves this season.

 This season’s staff and team are striving to win back to back district tournaments and advance in the regional tournament. 

 “We are going to welcome each game to be able to grow and put to work what we learn in practice,” said Coach Kelsch. “We had seven seniors graduate last year and their leadership is going to be tough to replace. Our challenge will be replacing all they did for us offensively, defensively, and their toughness but we are looking forward to see these younger Ladycats do just that. We have such a great mixture of upperclassmen and freshmen on the team this year and we are really looking forward to seeing them play. Our younger players are talented and will compete for varsity minutes,” Kelsch added.

 The strengths that Coach Kelsch sees in his players this year are hard work, effort, quickness, chemistry and transition offense. The Ladycats are going to be very quick on the floor this season. 

 Returning varsity players are ready to get this season started according to Kelsch. Sophomore point guard Lilly Ashcraft is the team’s top returning scorer from last year averaging over 10 points per game. She was named among the preseason top ten players in the 10th Region. Ashcraft can score at all three levels and she possesses the ability to find her open teammates with great court vision and has a high basketball IQ. Junior Madison Verst, a great shooter who can change a game with her three-point shooting ability and gives solid effort on both ends of the court. Fellow junior Kearstin Mayer is a player who will likely be counted on for a much bigger role this season. She has great length and quickness on the floor and has the ability to play the post and perimeter offensively and defensively.

 Also returning this season are seniors Gracie Pfanstiel and Brooke Thacker. They’ll be counted on to provide leadership, rebounding and steady defense. A trio of seniors also rejoin the Ladycats after taking time away from the program to concentrate on other sports. They are Cay Harper, Reese Barlow and Maddy Musk. All three are poised to step in right away and make an impact on both sides on the hardwood. Other underclassmen who will be in the mix for important varsity minutes include Hannah Spaulding and the twin duo of Selena and Savannah Rarrieck.

 Senior leader Emily Jodrey, who was going to be a starter, suffered a torn ACL near the end of the summer and is expected to miss the season. Jodrey was the Ladycats top returning defender and was an important piece in last year’s district winning squad. 

 Coach Kelsch is really expecting contributions from all the Ladycats players and trying to see the team chemistry work on the court with everyone contributing their talents to make this season a memorable one. The Ladycats begin their regular season schedule on November 27 traveling to face Williamstown. On November 29, the girls will head to Boone County and on December 2 they’ll host North Oldham in the home opener.