KINGWOOD — Three seniors lead the way for the Preston girls’ basketball team ahead of the 2023-24 season. To improve upon last season’s record, the Knights will look for contributions from underclassmen, as well.
In fact, head coach Brian Miller says that should be the team’s biggest strength this season.
“Our biggest strength could be our depth,” said Miller, who has been at the helm since 2005. “If our numbers seven through 11 players in the rotation can show some consistency. They all have shown flashes of being able to do a good job with their responsibilities. If they can turn those flashes into consistency, then we could have great depth.”
The Knights’ three seniors are Alauna Wilson, Kaylee Wimer and Ella White. The juniors are Hallie Simmons, Ally Sheets, Hannah Wolfe, Kendra Nazelrod, Cameryn Sypolt, Ava Bishop and Hannah Zuchowski. The sophomores are Myla Wotring, Vera Srawser, Camdyn Metheny, Bella Miller and Kinsey Wiles.
Preston looks to improve upon last year’s 6-17 record. In order to unearth that improvement, Miller has identified four key areas where the team will need to take its biggest strides.
The first is limiting turnovers, the second is scoring in transition, the third is better 3-point shooting and, finally, committing fewer fouls and getting to the line more themselves.
“Last year, we lost four games where we made more shots from the floor than our opponents but lost to the sheer volume of foul shots they took and made more than we did,” Miller said.
The Knights have had two scrimmages, against Keyser and Allegany (Md.).
They begin their season on the road, starting Dec. 1 with a trip to Washington, D.C., to face Ballou High School and then head to Uniontown, Pa., to face Laurel Highlands.
Preston defeated Laurel Highlands in the opening game last season.
“Our main focuses in practice are trying to fix our deficiencies from last year,” Miller said. “We are trying to communicate with the players better on what their strengths and them knowing what their teammates’ strengths are so when they are out there together, they know what everyone’s roles are and their responsibilities are and they can play to each other’s strengths.”
By Matthew Peaslee
