Lady Bulldogs poised for another title run

Motivated by last season’s triumph and driven by an ambition to cement as one of the best squads in program history, the Portageville girls’ basketball team is poised to unleash an arsenal of talent and determination onto the court this season.

Building on the seasoned leadership of their returning seniors, the team steps into the new season with heightened expectations and an unyielding resolve to establish themselves as an unstoppable force on the hardwood.

“I am excited to see what these girls do this season,” said 13th-year Portageville coach Kellye Fowler. “This group of seniors has been playing varsity since they were freshmen. I have seen them grow as players and as people. The underclassmen stepped up big for us last year, providing valuable minutes, and have already improved this year. We just plan to keep grinding every day to improve so we can play our best basketball late in the season.”

The Portageville Lady Bulldogs are ready to continue their winning ways this season, building on their impressive 23-7 record and district championship title from last year. While the team faces the challenge of replacing last year’s standout player, Amiyah Saxton, who is now pursuing her volleyball dreams at Mineral Area College, the Lady Bulldogs remain unfazed.

“The girls know we are going to have to work hard to replace all the things [Saxton] did for us both offensively and defensively last season,” Fowler said. “It might take a few games for us to figure it out. However, we got a taste of success last year and the girls are hungry for more of it. We are working each and every day to be able to have some of that success again this year.”

Their depth and experience will be crucial in navigating the challenges of a new season and replacing the contributions of Saxton. The Lady Bulldogs’ collective strength and determination will undoubtedly make them a force on the court this season with with a deep roster boasting five experienced seniors and eight players who saw significant playing time last season.

“That experience is invaluable going into this season,” Fowler said. “Also we are a very well-rounded team. Our scoring was fairly even last year and so were all the other stat areas. We have several girls who can step up when needed and play for us. It’s nice to be able to trust your teammates, to know if you’re not having a great night someone else can pick up that slack. It takes some of the pressure off and allows the girls to relax and play hard.”

Heading the pack in Portageville’s pursuit of greatness are two returning stars: Jayla Weddington, a 5-foot-10-inch forward, and Laney Stone, a 5-8 guard. Weddington, an athletic force, earned all-district honors last season after averaging nine points, five rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game. Her physical presence and defensive tenacity will be instrumental in anchoring the Lady Bulldogs’ defense.

Stone, on the other hand, is a versatile guard with a knack for creating scoring opportunities both for herself and her teammates. Her ability to handle the ball and facilitate the offense will be crucial in maintaining the Lady Bulldogs’ style of play. Together, Weddington and Stone form a formidable duo that is poised to lead the Lady Bulldogs to another successful season.

Aubrey Greenwell, a 5-7 senior guard, Ja’Niya Smith, a 5-9 junior forward, Lily Priggel, a 5-10 senior, and Addi Cayton, a 5-4 senior guard will provide valuable contributions both offensively and defensively

Greenwell, a playmaker, averaged 7.5 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals per game last season, while Smith, a presence in the paint, averaged 7.5 points and six rebounds per game.

Priggel and Cayton will add depth and experience to the lineup.

Four talented sophomores round out the varsity roster: Taryn Irby, a 5-7 guard, Gloriah Farmer, a 5-8 guard, Maggie Priggel, a 5-10 center, and Julianna Priggel, a 5-7 forward. These sophomores bring a fresh injection of energy and enthusiasm to the lineup, eager to rise to the occasion and contribute to the team’s success.

Portageville kicks off the season in the Al Jackson Classic on Monday, November 27.