November 25, 2009

The Tri-Village Lady Patriots are coming off a 12 win and 9-loss record in 2008 – 2009. They will be looking to better that record in 2009-2010 with aspirations of besting their 7-5 mark in conference play and challenging for a title. And why not the Patriots return every player from the previous season and add to the mix a group of talented freshman and Coach Brad Gray has good reason to be excited.

The 2009-2010 Lady Patriots squad will be comprised of six seniors; Kaila Burns, Hillarie Frech, Adriana Finkbine, Kylie Thomas, Bre Abney and Brittani Abney, one junior Taylor Collins, three sophomores; Kayla Linkous, Hallie Mikesell and Alexa Foreman along with three freshman; Shaye Thomas, Teha Richards and Jordan Hill to round out the Varsity Roster.

Returning to lead the Patriots is 1st Team All Cross County Conference player Kayla Linkous. Kayla was one of the top players in the league and the entire Southwest District last year as a freshman. She led the team in scoring with an incredible 21.8 points a game average. She also led the team in rebounding at 12.2 per game and total steals with 56 for the year. An injury over the summer may be the only thing to slow her down… early reports are good and she will be ready to play when the season tips off.

Kaila Burns is a 4-year varsity player and draws lots of attention due to her sharp shooting abilities from behind the arch. She drained 49 three-pointers the previous year and will be ready to let if fly again this season.

Hillarie Frech is also a 3-year varsity player who can hurt you with her shooting as well… if you don’t defend her. She led the team in assist last season and also is a very good on the ball defender.

Adriana Finkbine returns to the starting lineup and although a bit undersized at the post position she brings a lot of toughness to the floor on defense and does a good job in getting to the basket on offense.

Kylie Thomas will see her second season as a varsity player and does a very good job of getting to the foul line and is a good passer from the post position.

Bre Abney brings some versatility to the team and can play both the wing and point position if needed.

Brittani Abney will fill the role of helping out in the post especially in the 5 spot.

Taylor Collins is the lone junior and will see mostly junior varsity action but is capable of helping out in the post.

Alexa Foreman will mainly see reserve action at the guard position but gives added depth at the next level.

Hallie Mikesell a sophomore guard has worked hard in the off season to improved her ball handling skills. She has a good shot from the perimeter and will give the Patriots some good minutes in a support role.

Shaye Thomas will be looking to make an impact as a freshman much like Kayla Linkous did last year. Shaye’s impact won’t be in the scoring column… but rather with her ability to quarterback the team as a true point guard. She has the ability to see the floor and make her teammates better. She also has the ability to apply pressure on the defensive end as well.

Teha Richards a freshman will bring some athleticism to the floor and is a quick player who anticipates well on the defensive end.

Jordan Hill another fine freshman probably is the best defender on the team and can guard against any position and is tenacious tough-minded player.

This years Lady Patriots will be deep and talented, as the season progresses so should the team given the mix of experience and raw youth being brought along the team should be right in the middle of the hunt for a cross county conference title.

So all you Patriot fans come out and root on your team.

Go Patriots!