Bravettes aim to return to prominence with renewed vigor

After a brief hiatus, the Scott County Central girls’ basketball team is eager to recapture its past glory.

Between 2013 and 2020, the Bravettes amassed an impressive overall record of 130-79, punctuated by four district championships. However, the team faced challenges in recent years, struggling to just four wins in 2021 and 2022. Undeterred, the team emerged stronger last season, securing 11 wins.

With a mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, Scott County Central is poised to continue its upward trajectory.

“I am most excited about how well the team is growing in skill and ability,” said SCC coach Andrew Pullen. “They put in a lot of work this summer and it is already paying off. My expectations are for the team to get better day-by-day and to be playing our best ball by the end of the season.”

Pullen enters his sixth season as the head coach of the Scott County Central girls basketball team. With a focus on up-tempo offense and aggressive defense, Pullen aims to instill a winning culture within the program.

Pullen has set clear expectations for the upcoming season, emphasizing improvement and team unity. “Our goal is to improve and make it as far as we can this season,” he stated. “The girls are playing well as a team this year, and I’ve been pleased with their effort so far.”

Under Pullen’s leadership, the Bravettes hope to recapture their past success and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in their district and beyond.

Leading the charge for the Bravettes is junior forward Nikki Adams. Standing at 5-foot-10 inches, Adams commands attention with her athleticism, agility, and undeniable post presence.

Last season, she solidified her position as one of the area’s most dominant players, averaging an impressive 19 points and 15 rebounds per game, earning her all-conference and all-district honors.

While foul trouble has occasionally disrupted her time on the court, Adams’ presence is undeniable. Her ability to control the paint, create scoring opportunities, and influence the game’s momentum makes her a crucial asset to the Bravettes’ success.

Orchestrating the offense with finesse and precision is sophomore point guard Camarie Perdue. The 5-5 floor general averaged 10 points and seven assists per game last season. Her mastery of the court and her ability to distribute the ball effectively make her an indispensable asset to the Bravettes’ success. On the defensive end, Perdue’s athleticism and defensive instincts further showcase her value to the team.

Complementing Perdue’s playmaking skills is shooting guard Maddy Carlisle, a veteran presence with a wealth of varsity experience. The 5-3 senior’s shooting prowess from both inside and outside the arc provides a consistent scoring threat for the Bravettes. She is also a capable defender and a leader on the team, demonstrating her well-rounded contributions to the Bravettes’ overall success.

Senior Reagen Evans, junior Alysa Adams, sophomores Elliana Britt and Paris Robertson, and freshmen Shyla Skeen and Lainey Glueck are also expected to make significant contributions.

Scott County Central started the season with a 69-38 win over Puxico (0-2) and a 50-47 win over Poplar Bluff (0-2).

The Bravettes travel to Neelyville (0-0) on Monday, Nov. 27.