RIPLEY WARRIORS
GIRLS
Coach: Talby Justus
23-24 Record: 24-5
The Lady Warriors fell one game short of advancing to the Class A state tournament last season. But with a number of players back this season, head coach Talby Justus looks for the team to make another run at a trip to the Big House. “The Ripley Lady Warriors have a strong core of returners from a team that went 24-5 a year ago and went to the Area Tournament finals and were beat by Quinton in the game to go to State,” Justus said. “We have also had several significant players move into our program. I am very pleased with the development of our younger players as well and this should be an exciting year for our program.” One of the key returners for the team is Brooklyn Howell (5-11, Sr.). Her athleticism separates her from the pack. She is looking to improve her feet and ability to use counters when she makes those moves to the basket. She began to find teammates on the perimeter when she was doubled on post ups and drives. Makyla Bunch (5-9, Jr.) was Ripley’s second leading scorer a year ago and led the team in trips to the free throw line. She has the ability to stretch the defense to the three-point line but needs to find more confidence and comfort on the perimeter. Kailynn ‘Biscuit’ Williams (5-5, Fr.) is a freshman that will get some good opportunities to play on this veteran team. She is tenacious on defense and is getting better at running a team from the point guard position. As she continues to improve her game, her impact on the team will become greater. Other players that will look to contribute this season are Mallory Poteet (5-6, So.), Jayden Webb (5-7, Jr.), Makenna Justus (5-8, Sr.), Bentlie Cook (5-9, Sr.), Lexi Rice (5-8, Sr.), Brooklyn Ballard (5-8, Sr.), Bryn Cook (5-5, Sr.), Kaiel Williams (5-6, So.), Kimberlee Simon (5-9, So.), Peyton Cook (5-0, So.), Katie Rice (5-6, So.), Jashia Ferretiz (5-5, Fr.), Morgan Zetterberg (5-5, Fr.), and Kaitlyn Sanchez (5-7, So.).
