Lady Hawks steadily nearing the verge of championship run

After several seasons hovering around the middle of the pack, the Kelly girls’ basketball team is primed to achieve greatness this season.

Led by the dynamic duo of all-conference seniors Jada Griggs and Kristen Grogan, the Lady Hawks possess an experienced core and a deep bench that could catapult them to conference and district championships.

This season, Kelly is not just playing to compete; they are playing to win.

“The whole program is ready for our breakout season,” said second-year Kelly coach Matthew Blissett. “Last year the girls got a taste of success. This first week of practice everyone looks hungry. We remember our one-point loss in a district championship and we want it back.”

At the heart of the resurgence is the dynamic duo of Jada Griggs and Kristen Grogan, who will serve as captains this season.

Griggs, a crafty forward with a knack for scoring inside and out, averaged 19.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game last year.

Grogan, a versatile guard who can score, rebound, steal, and distribute, tallied 15.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.3 steals, 1.9 assists, and 0.3 blocks per game last season.

These two experienced leaders will be instrumental in guiding the Lady Hawks to their championship aspirations.

“This year I have a ton of senior leadership,” Blissett said. “So far we are night and day better than last year and the girls have bought into our new system.”

With a deep bench of 12 players capable of starting, Kelly possesses an arsenal of talent that extends beyond their star duo of Griggs and Grogan.

Senior Ava LeGrand brings a steady presence, while Kayleigh Holman, Macy Burger, and Brooke Dirnberger provide additional scoring punch and rebounding prowess.

Juniors Molly Johnson, Lola Pattengill, Blair Riley, Gwen Essner, and Paige Klipfel’s athleticism adds further depth to the team.

“Our strengths are our numbers,” Blissett said. “Our defense will be our offense this year. I plan on using our 12-man rotation to the fullest and to run the entire game. We have the opportunity to be the most defensive team in the area. I think we will be a more competitive team on a nightly basis, and with the girls playing under me for a full year, we will make some noise.”

“I expect a lot of success with the defense we will be playing this year,” he continued. “On any given night, we may go from full-court press to full-court man. Our fans should expect a fast-tempo pace game offensively and defensively, and our opponents should expect high pressure every possession.”

Kelly opens the season at Malden (0-0) on Monday, Nov. 27.