Six returning starters. Five returning sophomores. A premier region offensive player of the year and a transfer from Hamilton with a 2018 all premier honorable mention. One key roster loss, resulting in Perry alumni playing for The University of Dallas. One of the top three teams in the 6-A conference. The Perry girls’ basketball team is back with its third year head coach, Andrew Curtis.

The team is entering the 2018-2019 season with a couple strengths. According to Coach Curtis, the girls have made improvements in their athleticism and defense as well as improvements in the weight room.

The girls have a couple weaknesses to work out as well. Because five of the returning six starters are sophomores, Curtis predicts that the team might struggle with some inexperience and lack of depth.

Despite a young team, the girls have a couple secret weapons. Sophomore Madison Conner, a returning shooting guard, has already received multiple division one college offers and another returning sophomore, point guard Tatyanna Elaxfourne, made the 2018 all premier second team last season.  

One newcomer was highlighted in the coach’s preview. Nicole Smith, a transfer from Hamilton, will join the team as a shooting guard.

In addition to multiple celebrated athletes, the girls’ team has a couple scholars as well. Curtis highlights Gabrielle Schwartz and Simone Simmons as his most academic players. Both girls up hold 3.9 grade point averages.

The girls basketball team will premiere at a home game against rival school, Basha, on Thursday, November 29th.