Coming off one of its most successful seasons ever, the Lady Rockets will be looking to rebound from the loss of Taylor Guess, the program’s all-time scoring leader, last year's regional player of the year and the heart and soul of a regional runnerup effort a year ago.
Guess was not only the team’s playmaker and leading scorer, she was the face of the Lady Rockets for the past three seasons. As a senior last winter, she led the team in two-point goals, three-point goals, free throws and rebounds. Her leadership on and off the court will be difficult to match, but longtime coach Shannon Hodge believes there’s plenty left in the cupboard.
Problem is, the team has already been beset by injuries. Sophomore would-be starters Elle McDaniel and Chloe Hunt are lost for the season. McDaniel with a softball shoulder injury and Hunt with unanticipated knee problems that will require surgery.
Leading the pack will be returning starters Anna Boone and Elliot Evans. The sophomore guards were key contributors a year ago, but in a secondary role to Guess on any given night. Hodge is expecting increased service from the pair.
Sophomore forward Andrea Federico and Bristyn Rushing will figure into the regular lineup with Rushing at the post and Federico at forward.
Hunt was projected to handle some of the duties at the point, so most of that will now fall on the shoulders of Boone, who was the only double-digit scorer last year besides Guess. She’s long and talented.
“Anna has the potential to be a big-time scorer,” said Hodge, who is beginning her 31st season at the helm.
“Anna will need to be a double-figure scorer and rebounder every game,” the coach adds.
Evans could morph into a role at the point at times, but is more comfortable at the second guard slot. She brings defensive energy to the floor and “runs the floor better than anyone else we have,” Hodge said.
Evans will need to score more than the eight points she averaged last season.
“Federico is going to surprise some people with what she can do offensively and defensively,” the coach said.
Finding replacements for graduates Natalie Boone and Addie Hatfield will be a challenge. Federico will need to be strong around the basket, the coach said.
Sophomore Georgia Holeman will be thrust into a regular role after playing mostly JV last year. She’s quick and has a good set shot.
At 5-foot-10, Rushing is one the team’s tallest players, but she’s been troubled by nagging injuries and hasn’t seen much action as a high school player.
“We haven’t had a presence like her in the post with her height and length in a long time,” Hodge said.
Sophomore Madison Walker is back from a illness that sidelined her all of last season. She’s working hard to get back and find a place in the mix, Hodge explains.
Eighth-grader Jordyn Hodge will have to grow into a varsity role quickly. She’s the coach’s daughter and has a great deal of court savvy and ability. The quicker she finds her varsity footing and can consistently contribute, the better Crittenden can expect to be this season.
Freshmen Morgan Stewart and Charlee Munday can also find playing time around the basket. Munday has a good outside shot, too, and Stewart can be a formidable rebounder.
Aalina Henry is a basketball newcomer. At 5-10, she could have a future once she develops her game, the coach said.
Hodge believes the district is wide open. Lyon and Livingston return almost all of their key players while Trigg lost a great deal to graduation. Around the region, Christian County, Madisonville and Henderson will be among the contenders.
“I think we have a world of potential,” Hodge points out. “The district will be a dog fight every game.”
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