The Southside Lady Southerners are ready to turn heads this season under head coach George Sitkowski, bringing back a strong core and adding several exciting newcomers to the mix. Junior guard Bailey Caddy returns after averaging 11 points and 5 rebounds last season. Known for her deadly outside shot and physical defense, she will be a cornerstone on both ends of the floor. Sophomore forward Emily Guyette, an all-state selection, averaged 11 points and 9 rebounds last season and provides athleticism and versatility inside and beyond the arc. Senior guard Alyssa Haigwood continues to take on tough defensive assignments, while sophomore point guard Maci Witt, a consistent scorer and all-state tournament performer, will run the offense and provide scoring from multiple levels. The Lady Southerners will also benefit from contributions from freshmen Bella Baxter and Harper Hilton( 6’ 1”), sophomore Elle Morrow, junior Serenity Harrison, junior forward Scarlett Taylor, and sophomore center Phoebe Balser, all of whom bring energy, length, and defensive versatility. Coach Sitkowski believes team chemistry and commitment to defense will be the keys to success this season. By sharing the ball, creating opportunities on both ends, and generating momentum through stops and transition, the Lady Southerners aim to compete with the best in the 4A-6. Challenges will come from integrating younger players and maintaining consistency on defense and rebounding through a tough schedule, but the potential for a strong season is high.
The Southside Southerners were able to make their way to the regional tournament a season ago. This year, Coach Jeff Morrow will look to a lot of new faces to get the Southerners through the 4A-6 and back to the postseason. Senior guard Trey Allen is the lone returning starter for the Southerners. Allen averaged 12 points a contest last season for Southside. Senior post Kaden Williams will return after missing last season due to injury. The 6-11 center is very skilled and can step outside, while providing obvious rim protection on defense. 6-6 forward Grady Spinks brings added length to the lineup. The senior plays very hard and has a high motor. Junior point guard Ross Morrow can score and facilitate and possesses a high basketball IQ. Coach Morrow knows what it will take for his guys to turn the page.“ Our interior size will definitely be the strength of our team,” he explained.“ Our weakness will definitely be lack of experience and with a number of new players, chemistry will be a challenge early. With four starters gone and a tough season behind us, we enter a new year hungry to improve.” The Southside Southerners had to fight through the 4A-6 last year to get into the regional tournament, and nothing will change this season. So many new faces present a challenge early in the season, but as they mesh, Coach Morrow’ s squad could present a tough challenge to opposing teams with such great size. Look for the Southerners to compete, show some improvement, and get back to the regional tournament with a chance to take it one step further into the state tournament.