Basketball Season Outlook

A new look and feel, surrounds the Midway College basketball team for the upcoming season. Second year Head Coach Karley Mohler, looks for bigger things this year as she has assembled a talented squad that could put the Eagles at the top of the KIAC. Returning 12 players, the addition of thirteen newcomers, and new Assistant Coaches Richie Cheatham (Varsity Assistant), Lee Catherine Sweet (Head JV Coach/Varsity Assistant), and Matilda Eley (Student Assistant) have the program moving in a positive direction.

Coach Mohler comments:
“Our outlook is simple. We must prepare, learn, and work harder than our opponents. The biggest difference between where we were last year at this time and where we are this year is leadership. Our upperclassmen have taken it upon themselves to establish the protocol and attention to detail within our program. The underclassmen are improving at a much higher pace due to the veterans on this team. The best parts about this team are our depth, versatility, and speed. We will be a fun and exciting team to watch!”

The Team:
Top Returners:
Leading scorer and returning captain, Jackie Hicks is one of the core returning upperclassman. A fierce offensive threat who has the ability to slash the lane or hit the open three, Jackie set career marks for points (10.25 points per game) and rebounds (152). Hicks spent the summer improving her shooting percentage and ability to see the floor. “Jackie will draw a lot of attention this season and she is preparing to handle that pressure by improving her passing and ball handling,” says Mohler.

Returning captain and senior, Haley Wilkinson returns as the defensive leader on the team. Last season, Haley, lead the team in steals per game (2.1) and the overall season (59). Wilkinson improved in all facets of her game, doubling her scoring and rebounding averages while taking a team-high number of shots from the field. Mohler: “Haley is one of the best athletes in the KIAC, she works hard on her conditioning and in the weight room. She has improved her ball handling and driving skills which will allow her to be a greater offensive threat and provide more opportunities for us at the free throw line.”

Other notable returners include senior guards, Katie Peterson, Emma Hall, and Erika Piernas (Returning Captain) who are providing great leadership and a sense of tradition for our younger players. From the junior class keep an eye on point guards, Leslie Garnett and Kayla Rose who have the ability to play both sides of the ball and will offer some stability at the one position. Sydney Napier, who was a rock for the Eagles, playing out of position at the five spot last season, suffered a preseason injury and looks to be out for the season. With Napier out, sophomores Janel Wilkerson, Erica Smiley, and Kayla Shull take more offensive and rebounding responsibility at the power forward positions.

Newcomers:
Midway supporters are anticipating the performance of Whitney Odom out of Owensboro, Kentucky. Whitney has great athleticism and has worked hard in the classroom over the past season! “Whitney will contribute athleticism and scoring to the team. We are excited to have her on the court.” Mohler

From Mid-Continent University, 6’1”, junior transfer, Katie Mayes will help fill the center position. “Mayes provides offensive opportunity and some much needed size to our squad. We look forward to seeing her mature as a center and depend on her for some scoring on the inside.”

Midway College launches a junior varsity program as a permanent fixture to the athletic department. There are many true freshman and new faces on the team. Many of these newcomers are local to Kentucky including Whitley Henry (George Rogers Clark), Lindsay Combs (East Carter), Ashley and Erin Lucas (Dunbar), Lyndsay Champlin (Corbin), Jessica Cozart (Crittenden), JoJo Lavender (Pleasure Ridge Park), Amber Coakley (Hopkins County Central) and Michelle Smith (Deming). Other locals include red shirt freshmen Mia Adams (Madison Central) and Lauren Stamp (North Hardin) who will provide great experience and leadership for our underclassman. Calgary, Canada, freshmen Nisa Sutherland and Shantel Cherry representing Akron, Ohio will add depth at the guard positions.