Perryville girls basketball preview

    The Perryville girls basketball team is loaded with underclassmen.
    The Panthers have just one senior and one junior on the roster.
    Senior forward Bella Jones has three years of experience and serves as an outstanding leader for her younger teammates, coach Gina Pucci said.
    Junior point guard Krystle Schweers, came up from the JV team during last season. "She has a nice jumper and can get into the lane," Pucci said. "It's going to be interesting to see how she progresses."

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    Sophomore shooting guard Jules Jones also joined the varsity for part of last year. "She worked hard over the summer," said Pucci. "She's aggressive and is going to have a big role." Jones will be counted on to help make up for the scoring lost with the graduation of four-year starter Whitney Hynson.
    Sophomore forward Jill Miller has varsity experience. Sophomore center Nicolette Cumberbatch spent last season on the JV season. "She's going to be a force to be reckoned with in the post," said Pucci.
    Sophomores Carly White and DaJah Martin are both capable of contributing.
    "I see us growing us a lot from the beginning of the year to the end," Pucci said. "It's also going to be a fun year because the girls are eager to learn."
    Pucci is ecstatic about the Panthers' freshman class. Three rookies – Teri Wennersten, Emily Phillips, and Emily James – have made the varsity roster.
    Wennersten brings height, athleticism, and has a nice shot. Phillips is capable of playing either guard position. James has an excellent jump shot.
    "I've been with the program for 10 years as a volunteer, JV coach, and the past three years as varsity coach, and this is the first year I'm very excited about the freshman talent. The basketball ability and athleticism is unusual for a group of freshmen at Perryville. I like where I can see the program going."
    The Panthers expect to be competitive as they develop.
    "It will be interesting," Pucci said. "We're not a state title team, but I don't think we're going to go back to the days when we were 2-18. If they keep learning and improving then I will be a happy camper."