2024-2025 Newcastle Lady Racers Basketball Preview – The First Bank & Trust Co.

NEWCASTLE RACERS 

GIRLS

COACH: Jim Perinovic

2023 Record: 11-15

The Newcastle Racers enter the 2024 season with optimism and a fresh outlook. Head coach Jim Perinovic is excited about the blend of seasoned leaders and promising young talent on the roster. The players have been working hard in the offseason, fostering positivity and determination that Perinovic believes will translate into success on the court.

“As a program, we are very excited about the direction we are heading,” said Perinovic. “We have a great group of young talent with a mixture of seasoned leaders. Girls have been working hard with a lot of positivity for the upcoming season.”

Returning senior Whitney Wollenberg (5-4, Sr., PG) will lead the charge as the team’s floor general. Known for her high basketball IQ and floor awareness, Wollenberg is ready to take on a larger scoring role this season. 

Anchoring the paint is senior Zarayia Sims (6-0, Sr., C), a reliable presence on both ends of the court. Sims’ physicality and leadership will be critical as the Racers look to dominate the boards and control the tempo of games. Sophomore Ziyah Sims (6-2, So., C) complements Zarayia in the post, bringing mobility and size that make her a unique threat. As she continues to develop her game, Ziyah’s potential is boundless.

Junior guard Reagan Greenroyd (Jr.) and junior forward Amber Ellis (Jr.) add depth to the roster, while sophomore guard Emerson Marble (5-8, So., SG) is expected to have a breakout season. Marble’s ability to stretch the floor with her shooting and relentless work ethic will play a key role in the Racers’ success.

Freshman Kalani Kindered (5-5, Fr., PG) is another player to watch. Her versatility and leadership at such a young age are impressive, and her ability to attack the basket and set up her teammates will create challenges for opposing defenses.

Senior Bella Allen (Sr.) and junior Ava Snider (Jr.) provide the intangibles that every team needs. Allen is a tenacious defender and vocal leader who handles the little things that often go unnoticed but are vital to the team’s success. Snider, whose perseverance through personal and family health challenges inspires her teammates, embodies resilience and positivity.

Roster:

Zarayia Sims (6-0, Sr., C)

Brylee Scott (Sr., C)

Whitney Wollenberg (5-4, Sr., PG)

Amber Ellis (Jr., F)

Reagan Greenroyd (Jr., G)

Bella Allen (Jr., G)

Emerson Marble (So., SG)

Ziyah Sims (6-2, So., C)

Ava Snider (So., SG)

Kaelin Horton (Fr., PG)

Kalani Kindered (Fr., G)

Jailania Salas (5-5, Fr., G)