Preseason Team Preview: Simon Kenton

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Simon Kenton posted a record of 19-15 last season under first year Head Coach Brenden Stowers. This young and talented team starting clicking late in the season and went on to win the 8th region, which led to a "Sweet 16" state tournament appearance. Their "Cinderella run" ended in an overtime thriller against Henderson County 54-56.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><br>This season the Lady Pioneers are returning 90% of their top players from last season and looked to remain as one of the top teams in Northern Kentucky.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary","fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-primary-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>Projected Starting Lineup:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='739708' first='Brynli' last='Pernell']-FR-5'4"-Guard-</strong>Ranked 8th in a loaded 2027 class (#2 Combo Guard). I watched her compete at the PGH Freshman Showcase she looked much improved from last season, which is scary knowing her level of potential. Pernell is a fierce competitor, with great mental fortitude, elite three-point shooter with deep range, that can get in the paint and make plays as well. She has interest from D1 and D2 schools. Was also selected to play in the KY Freshmen Rising All-Star game over the Summer.<br><strong>2022-2023 Season Stats: 11.8PPG, 2RPG, 1.7APG, 1.6SPG. 30.2% (3s), 79.2% (FT).</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><br>[player_tooltip player_id='724178' first='Haylie' last='Webb']-SO-5'11"-Forward-</strong>Versatile player that impacts the game in many ways. She can score from the inside out on offense and guard positions 1-5 on defense. Webb is also a high-level rebounder capable of pulling down 10+ boards every game. Great rim protector as well. She will be the anchor down low this season for the Lady Pioneers. Has interest from D1 and D2 schools.<br><strong>2022-2023 Season Stats: 7.4PPG, 6RPG, 1.8BPG.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><br>[player_tooltip player_id='859859' first='Anna' last='Kelch']-SO-6'1"-Forward-</strong>Kelch is a sharpshooter from the perimeter that takes advantage of open looks. Her height and length allows her to shoot over and post-up smaller defenders. She can also drive and finish at the rim. Defensively, she does a good job using her length in the passing lanes, causing deflections and coming up with steals. Kelch can play 1-5 on both ends of the floor. There is a reason why she is starting to receive D1 and D2 attention.<br><strong>2022-2023 Season Stats: 8.7PPG, 2.6RPG, 1.5APG, 1.6SPG. 32.1% (3s)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><br>[player_tooltip player_id='825791' first='Megan' last='Gadzala']-SO-5'6”-Guard-</strong>Lockdown defender that takes on the task of guarding the best player. Gadzala is fearless. She welcomes and steps up to every challenge and always comes up with huge plays in critical moments. She plays physical and with poise. Gadzala is also the ultimate team player and can really shoot it from beyond the arc.<br><strong>2022-2023 Season Stats: 3.8PPG, 3.7RPG, 2.2SPG. 29.8% (3s)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"textColor":"primary","fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-primary-color has-text-color has-medium-font-size"><strong>Key Reserves:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='410501' first='Ava' last='Slusser']-SR-5'8"-Guard-</strong>Slusser is a tough, physical, high motor player that gives all out effort when she is on the floor. She is a natural leader that does whatever it takes for her team to win. Slusser embraces the grind of the sport and brings her teammates along with her. She is also a scrappy defender that loves to compete. Has a few offers to play at the next level.<br><strong>2022-2023 Season Stats: 3.4PPG, 2.1RPG.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br><strong>Rylie Flynn-SR-5'11"-Guard-</strong>Knows how to put the ball in the basket. A true 3-level scorer. Flynn provides “instant offense”. She put up multiple 20 point scoring games last season. Her ability to break down defenses and finish at the rim makes her tough to guard. Plays with maximum effort. Has multiple offers to play in college and attention from D2 level programs.<br><strong>2022-2023 Season Stats: 4.1PPG.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1199130' first='Bella' last='Ober']-8th-5'6"-Guard-</strong>She is very poised for her age, displays maturity of an upperclassman. Ober is a tough on-ball defender that can knock-down open shots, and get to the rim or create scoring opportunities off the dribble for herself and teammates. She plays with a chip as well and has developed a lot over the Summer. Starting to get some college attention.<br><strong>2022-2023 Season Stats: 14PPG, 1.7RPG</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br><strong>Addelyn Bohms-SR-5'10"-Forward-</strong>Returned from rehabbing a torn ACL during 2022-2023 season. She is a banger down low that can defend, rebound at a high clip and finishes well at the rim. Bohms has expanded her game and improved her ability to make outside shots. She will be a key contributor this season.<br><strong>2022-2023 Season Stats: 1.1PPG, 1.2RPG.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br><strong>Natalie Hernandez-SR-5'5"-Guard-</strong>Lethal shooter, extremely smart and high IQ player, and a willing passer that sees the floor well.<br><strong>2022-2023 Season Stats: 1.1PPG</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->