After an impressive 26 – 10 season, the Bay Yellowjackets are setting their sights on a deep run under head coach Chase Holbrook. With several key returners and a blend of proven veterans and emerging young talent, Bay has all the pieces to once again compete at the top of the 2A-3 Conference and beyond. Leading the charge is senior Jacob Willard, last year’ s Conference Player of the Year and an All- State selection after averaging 17.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. Willard’ s combination of scoring, rebounding, and leadership makes him one of the premier players in the 2A classification. Junior Markey Dodson also returns as a reliable inside-out threat after averaging 12.8 points and 7.5 rebounds, giving Bay a potent one-two punch. Senior Cade Spencer adds firepower from beyond the arc, while Wyatt McIllwain, who started 17 games last season, steps into a larger role this year. Freshman Gabe Williams brings athleticism and scoring versatility, while sophomore Isaiah Jones provides an energetic spark off the bench with his hustle and three-point touch. Senior Luke Staggs will add valuable minutes in the paint as part of Bay’ s balanced rotation. Coach Halbrook emphasizes consistency and growth as the Yellowjackets face a tough nonconference schedule designed to prepare them for postseason play. With talent, depth, and experience on their side, Bay has every reason to believe they can compete with anyone— and be right where they want to be when February rolls around.
The Bay Lady Yellowjackets enter the new season looking to turn last year’ s 6 – 21 campaign into a springboard for growth, and head coach Scott Brown believes this young squad has the athleticism and upside to do just that. Leading the way is Brown’ s daughter, Kyleigh Brown, a steady guard who serves as the team’ s on-court leader. She shoots the ball well— especially from deep— and gives Bay a reliable scoring threat every night. At the point, Ava Spencer returns to run the show. A strong ball handler and capable scorer, Spencer’ s biggest job is getting the ball to the Lady Jackets’ shooters and keeping the offense flowing. Lark Ellis also steps back into a key role after spending the offseason working to build confidence with the ball in her hands. With her shooting ability, she has the potential to grow into another consistent weapon for Bay. Coach Brown sees a group that is more athletic and better equipped to compete than last year’ s team. The focus now is improving communication, building chemistry, and learning to share the ball consistently. If the Lady Yellowjackets continue to grow in those areas, Brown believes their unselfish play will translate directly to more wins as the season progresses.
The Gosnell Lady Pirates finished last season 6-20, but had a couple of late season wins that they are hoping to build on. Coach Marcus McClain will have three returning starters to help continue the turnaround in Mississippi County. Senior Natalee Murphy leads the way as a four year starter. Murphy is a versatile player that Coach McClain will look to exploit matchups either inside or outside. Sophomore guard Bryonna Thompson returns after starting as a freshman. Thompson is an aggressive guard that can score at all three levels. Junior Nadia Evans-Jones brings a positive energy and presence in the post as one of the top rebounders on the team. A large number of Lady Pirates will look to make big contributions this season. Senior guard Abigail Beltran is a strong shooter and leads by example, while junior guard Amalia Caruthers has great speed and is an aggressive defender and good outside shooter. Jha’ hyla and Jha’ mea Hunter are looking for expanded roles this year. Senior, Jha’ mea, is another quick guard who is strong defensively and at driving the ball while junior, Jha’ kyla is one of the best perimeter defenders on the team with great vision on the offensive end. Sophomores Lilly Cherry and Ejaylah Fisher are hoping to make an immediate impact at the high school level. Cherry is another versatile player that can play multiple positions, and Fisher is forward that could end up being one of Coach McClain’ s top defenders with her length and quickness. Coach McClain has some goals for his squad in hopes of winning if they accomplish those goals. Staying organized on both ends of the floor and prioritizing ball security to ensure we get a look at the basket on every possession is big for us,” he said.“ Communicating our sets offensively and coverages defensively, while dictating the pace at which we want to play is another goal we will have.” The Gosnell Lady Pirates have the pieces to make a lot of improvements this season. Look for Gosnell to battle in the 4A-3 for a regional berth at the end of the year.
The Gosnell Pirates finished 10-19 last season, but will have a large group of returning players in Deantra Scott’ s second season as head coach. Five guys return with starting experience led by junior guard Marcus Anderson. The team’ s leading scorer averaged 19 points, 5.5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 1.5 steals while knocking down 40 % of his shots behind the arc. Fellow senior guard Grant Glintborg is the second leading scorer returning after averaging 10 points, 6 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2 steals a game last season. Senior Kerrion Terry will provide an inside scoring presence averaging 9.5 points and 5 rebounds last year. Junior Jazten Williams hopes to add a onetwo punch inside with Terry, while LaMarco Wilborn will play guard and create shots for his teammates. Senior Daniel Azucena and his sophomore brother Johnathan return to Gosnell after playing at Manila last season and should be major factors in the lineup and on the floor. Seniors Jaylen Jackson, Chase Perkins, Jai Jacobs along with junior Cesar Cornejo and sophomore Jake Riggs hope to provide even more depth for Coach Scott and the Pirates. Coach Scott said his team lost several close games last season, so finishing games strong along with tough defense and great ball movement will be major keys to his squad’ s success this season. With returning experience and some newcomers that should play major factors, the Gosnell Pirates are poised to make some noise in the 4A-3. Look for the Pirates to battle at the top of the conference for a chance to make it to the regional tournament.