Lady Trojans return experience, tough defense

One of the good things about being thrown into the fire is that the next time it isn’t quite as bad. The Park Hill Girls Basketball team has reached that point with eight returning lettermen on their squad this year. Five of them are seniors, who bring back strong experience after having seen significant playing time since their sophomore year. Coming off an 11-15 season last year, the expectations are much higher coming into this season.

With a team who will showcase their quickness and athleticism, you won’t see a lot of size on head coach Brian Rockers’ team. His tallest player, Katy Plummer, measures 5’11” and returns as the team’s leading rebounder after averaging 6.7 boards and 9.8 points a game in her junior campaign. Also returning will be leading scorer and all-conference, all-district first team honoree, Laura Bennett who averaged 11.5 point per game last season. Emma Gossett returns with her average of 4.8 points and will play a big role in bringing energy to the defensive end which will be key for the fast-style of play the Trojans look to put into motion. Seniors Spenser Rhodus and MacKenzie Janner will be vying for a starting spot, but will contribute nonetheless in the rotation.
“We’ve talked a lot to them about what they need to do,” Rockers said of his seniors. “We’re expecting a lot out of them, not only on the floor, but off the floor and in terms of leadership.”

Look for Sophomore Kyleesha Weston to lead the Trojan offense as she returns at the point guard position after improving over the summer and becoming more comfortable running the offense. Juniors Helena Hudson and Liza Hill round out the returning letter winners after being in the mix as sophomores last year.

Rockers believes his team’s success will rely a lot on whether they can produce points and if their shooting continues to progress as the season goes on. Having confidence in a high-speed, attack defense that features both the ¾ court trap and man defenses, the Trojans will have to convert what they hope will be turnovers into points.

“In order to play fast, you have to put the ball in the basket,” Rockers said. “If the ball is going in (the hoop) coming into February, we’ve got a chance.”

Key matchups for the Trojans will include two games against rival Park Hill South, defending state champion Platte County, and two games against Truman. If things work out the way Park Hill hopes, that second game against Truman could be for a share of the conference championship.