Season preview: Lady Coyotes look to take advantage of athleticism

The Potter-Dix girls basketball team returns two starters and four additional lettermen as the Lady Coyotes look to improve on last year's 10-10 campaign. They begin the season Friday with a home contest against Sedgwick County.

Third-year head coach Jeff Einspahr cites athleticism and depth as strengths for the Lady Coyotes this season.

"We are a young team with athleticism," he said. "We should have good depth, also, this year."

Returning starters for the Lady Coyotes are a pair of sophomores, forward Alexus Rozelle and guard Dawson Sharman. Rozelle averaged 8 points per game and 11 rebounds per game a season ago. Sharman averaged 5 points per game and 4 rebounds per game last season.

Other returning lettermen include senior guard Jourdan Langley, junior forward Cortney Lewis, junior guard Savannah Shaw and sophomore forward Brooke Glass.

Einspahr said he expects improvement from his returning cast from last season.

"(I expect) leadership and to improve on last year's individual stats and team record," Einspahr said.

Newcomers to the squad include junior forward Anna McLaughlin, freshman guard Audrey Juelfs, freshman guard Payge Hoffman and freshman forward Trinity Langley.

"Audrey Juelfs will be our point guard as a freshman, and Anna McLaughlin will be a strong presence at the forward position," Einspahr said.

Einspahr said the biggest thing his young team needs is playing time together.

"Since we are a young team, just getting on the court and getting playing time together as a team (is something we need)," he said.

Offensively, the Lady Coyotes look to take advantage of their athleticism this season.

"We have the athletes to push the ball on the fast break and a few players that can shoot," Einspahr said.

The head coach also looks to take advantage of his team's athleticism on the defensive end of the floor.

"We have the athletes to be an aggressive, pressing team," Einspahr said.

Einspahr said the toughest teams the Lady Coyotes will face include Creek Valley and Leyton in conference play, and non-conference foes Kimball, Calich (Colo.) and Pine Bluffs (Wyo.).