By Jason Nieuwenhuis
Sports writer
There were no warm-up games for the Piedmont basketball teams this season, and both boys and girls dropped tough opening games on the road Tuesday night against Putnam City North High School.
The Lady Wildcats faced a fast, physical Lady Panther team that might be the best girls’ team in the state.
When the horn sounded though, the final score was 84-45.
The baskets came early and often for PC North as they put 49 points on the board in the first half. Junior Kiana Gray led all scorers with 28 for the Panthers. Rylie Burnett and Ava Watkins were in double figures for the ‘Cats.
Although the first game didn’t have the outcome that Coach Joe Crawford envisioned, the season looks bright for the Lady ‘Cats. There were no seniors on last year’s team, so they brought a lot of continuity back. The leader on the floor is senior Rylie Burnett.
A four-year starter and East Central University signee, she was the 2023-24 leading scorer and will look to keep that momentum going forward. She plays multiple positions and can score from anywhere on the court. Other impact players are Junior Ava Watkins and Kenley Crawford. Both can handle the ball and can be lock-down defenders. Watkins is a versatile player that can score in the paint and from long range. She will be the primary interior defender and is a vocal leader on the floor. Sophomore Kenley Crawford is coming off a great freshman season in which she hit 50 three-pointers in her first run at 6A basketball. She is fast and plays with a lot of athleticism.
Sophomore Averie Alfaro and freshman Najya Wilson will add defensive intensity. Both fast and aggressive defenders will create turnovers that will lead to fast break opportunities on the offensive side of the floor.
“We will be a fast full-court type of team. We might sub all five girls at one time to really push the pace of the game, ” Coach Crawford said.
The boys dropped their first game of the campaign.
The boys game got going quickly. PC North jumped to a quick lead, but the Wildcats clawed back into the game. The halftime score was 33-22 in favor of the Panthers, and they increased their lead in the second half to win by a score of 59-42. Hudson Hite led the ‘Cats in scoring with 23 points.
The boys’ team is a young team led by returning players Hudson Hite and Bryce McConnell.
What they lack in experience will make up for in defensive intensity under first-year head coach Brian Beale.
“We plan to play good solid defense and grind out low scoring games. Our offense will be centered around attacking the paint and kicking to outside shooters,” Beale said.
Hite is a skilled offensive player; he has the ability to score in bunches both at the rim and from beyond the arc.
Teams will likely focus on him and that will open up opportunities for others. McConnell was the first guy off the bench last year. A force inside, he also shot 56% from 3-point range last season. Junior Carter Hainrihar will also look to make an impact this season. Although he has limited varsity experience, he is an excellent jump shooter and can finish at the rim.
A trio of sophomores will also look to make an impact this season. Kingston Jones, Isaiah Aghesedo and Jacob Campbell will see plenty of playing time along with freshman Kobe Tetteh.
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