With five returning starters from last year’s fourth place team, the Patrick Henry girls basketball team is looking to contend for the Western Valley District title this season.
Suiting it up for the Patriots this season are Kenzie Poindexter (Sr, 5-7, G), Jewellanna Parfitt (So, 5-6, G), Miranda Smith (Sr, 5-9, G/F), Sarah Williams (Sr, 5-4 G), Zaynah Stephens (Jr, 5-9, F), Shakeia Salters (Jr, 5-3, G), Makena Nicolas (Sr, 5-6, G), Lia Hinds (Jr, 5-11, C), ShaBria Smith (Jr, 5-8, F), Kim Russell (Jr, 5-10, C), Jasmine Keeling (Jr, 6-0, C) and Tiana Franklin (Sr, 5-4, G).
“We are more versatile this year, which helps take the pressure off of Sarah Williams,” said head coach Toree Dunleavy, who saw her team compile 6-15 mark last season. She sees her probable starting lineup as being Poindexter, Williams, Smith, Salters and Stephens.
“We had a good off-season and I think any of our girls could make an impact this season for us,” added Dunleavy, who sees the Patriots strengths as being athletic, while their size and not playing together a lot are concerns.
“We are excited to get our season underway. Our program had a good off-season, the girls came in and worked hard in the weight room,” said Dunleavy. “I’m really happy with our coaching staff and the way they are preparing our young ladies.” Patrick Henry opened its season on Wednesday against E.C. Glass (after press time). As for Patrick Henry’s top games, Dunleavy singled out, “all district games and our game against Stonewall Jackson at home on Jan. 29.”
