Coach: Chad Thrailkill
23-24 Record: 24-6
OUTLOOK
The Lady Royals look to return to their winning ways again this season as head coach Chad Thrailkill fields another team that plays solid on both ends of the floor.
“We will have senior laden team this year with all of our returning starters back. Our team will be able to score in many different ways and should be able to shoot the three with great consistency from multiple players. Defensively, we will be able to guard in a multitude of different ways depending on each opponents’ personnel. This year’s team will have played together for three-years, and they understand their roles and how to make our team successful,” said coach Thrailkill.
Preslee Hartsock (5-8, Sr.) is a three-year starter at point guard and is a shooting who has the ability to drain the hoop from any spot on the floor. Hartsock also led the team in assists every year she has been a starter. On the defensive end, Hartsock can disrupt the rhythm of an opponent and find ways to create turnovers. Another player to watch is Hope Martin (5-10, Sr.). Martin is a small forward for the Lady Royals and a player who can hurt an opponent playing inside or outside. She has the ability to battle for rebounds and alter shots on the defensive end.
Another senior in the lineup is Sadie Thrailkill (5-7). Known for her ability to shoot the three-ball, Thrailkill has worked on and continued to improve in all aspects of the game. The semifinal loss last season has motivated Thrailkill and the entire Lady Royals team to focus on what’s ahead. Laney Venables (So.) started as a freshman for the Lady Royals and is back at forward. Venables has a motor with no off switch and according to coach Thrailkill, she plays with “reckless abandon and is always around the ball making plays.” Venables is another three-point shooter opponents will need to stop if they want to beat the Lady Royals.
Also look for Kate Hollingsworth (5-9, Sr.) and Annabelle Mitchell (Sr.). Hollingsworth brings a work ethic to the floor for coach Thrailkill, and she understands what her goal and purpose is on the team. When she steps onto the court, you know she is going to have an impact on the game. Mitchell is an unselfish player who makes everyone around her better. Smart with the ball, Mitchell is a solid shooter and has a great feel for the game.
Photos by Jim & Lisa Photography
