The Liberty girls basketball team will be a mixture of youth and experience this season.
In the early going, it has been a combination that has veteran head coach Denise Arline excited for the season.
“This team looks pretty good. We have looked good in the scrimmage and the returners are pushing the younger players who in turn are pushing the older players,” Arline said. “Competition is a good thing and they all getting along really well. There has been no jealousy and drama which is great.”
Arline liked the way the chemistry was on display in the scrimmage game against Great Beckley Christian.
“Everybody contributed and we worked the ball to everybody,” Arline said. “Nearly everybody scored as well. Team work is the key.”
Kirsten Miller will be the point guard and the leader on the floor for the Raiders. Brooke Brown returns to lead the solid group of post players.
“Kirsten is really fast. She listens really well and is definitely a team player for us,” Arline said. “Brooke played in the post last year, but hurt her knee. It still bothers her some, but when she gets out on that court you can’t tell hurt. She is a tough kid that is a strong rebounder.”
Chloe McGhee will play the two-guard position and gives Liberty a 3-point threat. Jaidyn Tolliver will add more depth in the post.
“Chloe has good quickness and can shoot the 3 for us at times,” Arline said. “Jaidyn is a quiet kid, but she is a really hard worker and a solid rebounder.”
Sadie Stone had a breakout game in the scrimmage for the Raiders which will add more depth to the varsity roster.
“Sadie also plays in the post. She played really well in the scrimmage and scored 13 or 15 points,” Arline said. “She was going to be JV, but now she will be seeing some varsity minutes as well.”
Ayreyonia Parris has also been a solid contributor, but has been sidelined by a knee injury. Alayna Cline can play both the two and three guard position for Arline.
“Ayreyonia has been doing better and we hope to get her back soon,” Arline said. “Alayna is versatile and aggressive. She will play both variety and JV. She loves getting the extra playing time and really helps out the new players as well.”
One of the freshmen that has shined in the early going is Rhiley Honaker who will add depth up top for the Raiders.
“Rhiley is everything you want in a basketball player. She comes in with a good attitude, but when practice starts she puts on that basketball face,” Arline said. “She works really good with Kirsten. They can almost read each others minds.”
Arline also credits her freshman class will adding a spark to the team.
“In the past, we have not been an aggressive team,” Arline said. “I feel like that is where my ninth graders have come in and pushed the returners. We should be a more aggressive team this year, in a good way.”
We are faster this year than we have ever been,” Arline went on to say. “We don’t have a showboat out there or one person that wants to do all of the scoring. I am not concerned with who scores the points, I just want points on the board.”
