-
The Pendleton County Ladycats basketball team
By: Sam McClanahan
The Pendleton County Ladycats basketball team concluded its summer exhibition schedule at the end of June and head coach Patrick Kelsch was pleased with what he saw.
In his first season leading the program, Kelsch guided the Ladycats to a district championship, but that was with a veteran roster that was plentiful in size and skill. Now as he begins his second season, Kelsch and his new-look squad don't want to hear anything about a "rebuild".
"Our goals remain the same, we still want to win and our sights are set on more banners," Kelsch says.
Kelsch described the summer scrimmage schedule his girls played as successful and he indicated that the main objective was to develop some team chemistry while allowing some of the younger players to get acclimated to playing varsity-level competition.
"We have several younger players who are hungry, talented, and ready to compete for spots on our varsity roster. After losing seven seniors, people might look at us and think that we're in for a down season, and I'm fine with that. We'll embrace the underdog role and look to surprise some people," Kelsch explained.
Among some of the newcomers who got to gain experience through the summer have been Hannah Spaulding and the twin sister duo of Selena and Savannah Rarrieck. Coach Kelsch believes they can make an immediate impact next season with their shooting, passing, and athleticism.
Kelsch also touched on his key returners from last season who will be counted on to lead the way if the team is to repeat as district winners. Sophomore Lilly Ashcraft is widely-considered one of the top points in the 10th Region and Kelsch says he wants her to control the game in every aspect and look to be more offensively-minded.
"Lilly does so many things well as a playmaker and last season she was a willing passer due to us having so much talent on offense. Now, she's being more aggressive, penetrating to the basket, and looking to score more. We'll ask a lot from her and I know she's capable of meeting those demands," Kelsch said.
Also returning is junior Kearstin Mayer who Kelsch calls the most improved player on the team. He spoke highly of her willingness to play the post, often guarding the opposition's tallest player. Kelsch says that Mayer brings a lot of skill, length, and is someone who is always wanting to get better. He also mentioned returners Emily Jodrey, Madison Verst, and Gracie Pfanstiel. Kelsch describes Jodrey as a girl who gives "150 percent effort for 100 percent of the time" and someone who's energy and intensity can rub off on her teammates. He labeled Verst as a "sniper" shooter who can knock down shots and Pfanstiel as an experienced presence who will be counted on to provide leadership to the team.
"This team will look different and likely play different than last season, but we believe we can use our strengths to still be effective.," Kelsch said. "Our younger players will go through a bit of a learning curve, but that's expected. We bring a lot of talent back this season and I'm excited to see how well this team can gel and play together".
Coach Kelsch and his team also recently welcomed Kiara "Kiki" Johnson to the coaching staff. Johnson is a 2019 graduate of Ryle and was a member of their girls' state championship winning team. Kelsch says he's thrilled to have Johnson apart of the program going forward and referred to the 22-year-old as a perfect fit.