Four straight 20-plus win seasons.
Four straight 52nd District Tournament titles.
The Bell County Lady Cats have every intention of extending both streaks to five as they bring back four starters from last year’s 23-10 squad that knocked off Harlan County in the district finals for the fourth straight year.
“I think we can have a pretty good basketball team. One of our goals is to win the district again and get out into the regional tournament,” said David Teague, who enters his 15th season as coach. “We have some kids who need to come into their own. With our talent and size, we can be as good as we’ve been in several years. When you have size and some athletic guards, you have a chance.
“We need some of our young kids and kids on the bench to develop, and you can’t really do that until you get into the season and get some experience.”
One big reason for the Lady Cats’ optimism is the return of 6-1 forward Gracie Jo Wilder (19.8 points per game last season, 8.5 rebounds per game) for her senior season. Wilder, who will play at Tusculum on the next level, is one of the region’s most athletic players with the ability score inside or outside.
“It’s no secret that Gracie Jo has to be a big part of our team as both a scorer and rebounder,” Teague said. “I’ve tried to challenge her to take her game to the next level. She’s had plenty big games, but she can do that against the top level teams. She has the ability to do that and we expect a lot out of her.”
Kairi Lamb (5.9, 10.0), a 6-4 sophomore, teams with Wilder to form one of the region’s most imposing frontlines.
“Kairi has a lot of size, and that’s one of the things you can’t teach,” Teague said. “She led us in rebounding last year and alters a lot of shots. We want her to be a bigger part of the offense this season.”
Sophomore Neveah Allen is expected to fill a key role at point guard where she replaces Mataya Ausmus, the only graduating starter from last year.
Kylee Greer-Gann (2.2, 6.8), a 5-9 junior, returns at forward.
“Kylee plays her role as well as anybody I’ve had,” Teague said. “She does such a good job of rebounding and defending. She is our defensive leader.”
Junior guard Lauren McGeorge (14.0, 2.7) gives Bell one of the region’s best 3-point shooters.
“Lauren flies under the radar a little bit,” Teague said. “She’s one of the most athletic kids in the region. She shoots it well and is a very good defender.”
“Taya has played a big role for us the past couple of years. Neveah had a good summer and is doing a good job for us,” Teague said. “She just needs game experience. I think having Lauren and Gracie Jo there will help a lot. You have to have a guard to get you in your offense, plus that defensive pressure that Taya put on other teams’ guards was big for us. Neveah has a very good skilled set.”
Senior guard Halle Jones is also expected to play a key reserve role, along with junior guard Kaitlyn Middleton and 5-10 sophomore Addison Lucas (2.3).
“Those three will play a lot. We are counting on Halle to knock down some shots, and Kaitlyn is also a good shooter,” Teague said. “Addison will give us another big who can rebound and finish around the basket. She plays so physical. She’s close to 6-foot herself, and that’s a big thing in girls basketball.”