The Tri-Village Lady Patriots start a new era as long time Coach Jim Maples stepped down after 14 years at the helm. His tenure resulted in 197 wins and 114 losses for a career winning percentage of 63%. His teams also earned 3 Cross County Conference Championships.

Taking over the reins of the program will be Coach Brad Gray. Coach Gray has been a boy’s varsity assistant at Tri-Village for 3 years and also guided the boys 8th grade program for 3 years as well. He is excited about the new opportunity and looks forward to the challenge of continuing the successful Lady Patriots program.

The Lady Patriots graduated 3 seniors off the 2005-2006 team in Karli Dill, Brittney Bailey and Krystal Barton and return just one senior Kaley Stahl.

Kaley brings 3 years of varsity experience and has been an all around steady performer. Two other starters return, juniors Tina Allison and Addie Overfield. Both bring experience to the floor.

Tina provided the inside game last year averaging 14 points while pulling down 8.5 rebounds a game last year.

Addie will work the point on the outside quarterbacking the team and was coming into her last year when she went down with a knee injury. Now recovered the Lady Pats will look to her for floor leadership.

Junior Amelia Frazier saw considerable action last year and showed signs of stepping forward and will be counted on to this year to provide intensity on the floor.

Junior’s Erin Bundy and Margrett Cobb saw limited action last year but will now have the opportunity to contribute at the varsity level. Heidi Foreman is the last of six juniors on the varsity squad.

Rounding out the varsity squad will be two freshman Kaila Burns and Jordyn Fisherback but don’t be surprised to see them both make an impact as the season goes on.

Those who have watched the Lady Patriots over the years will see a different pace then before. Coach Gray stresses defense and an up-tempo style of play. Look for the Lady Patriots to run when they have opportunities and play an aggressive style of defense.

Traditional league powers Covington, Franklin Monroe and Arcanum will continue to be frontrunners in the conference. Newcomer Miami East joins the conference and the top just got a little more crowded. The Miami East Lady Vikings return a solid group of girls from last year and will be looking to make some noise in their first year.

The Lady Patriots should bring an exciting brand of basketball to the floor and with some early wins and who knows this team may make their own bid for a top spot so get out and show your support. Go Lady Patriots!