Carrollton girls basketball aims for 20 wins again, and more

How do you possibly top last season? How about the last two seasons?

In 2024, the Carrollton girls’ basketball team won only its second district championship in school history to go along with an impressive 21-6 record.

Entering the 2024-25, Mikayla Poole – who just happened to be a member of Carrollton’s first district championship team – became the Warriors’ new head coach. Instead of the program taking baby steps while the players and coaching staff became acclimated to one another, Poole and company took a huge leap forward as Carrollton made it first regional final appearance against Lancaster Fairfield Union.

True, the carriage turned into a pumpkin as the Lady Warriors fell to the Falcons, but that cannot possibly detract from the grit and determination Carrollton displayed in its magical run.

Fans who attended the regional semifinal against Delaware Buckeye Valley will not soon forget how the Lady Warriors battled back from a 13-point deficit only to watch three starters head to the bench – two for foul problems and one due to injury – in the fourth quarter. Despite backups comprising most of its lineup, Carrollton took its first lead, then hung on for a thrilling 41-39 victory.

Believe it or not, the 2024-25 Lady Warriors, who placed second to West Branch in the Eastern Buckeye Conference with a 20-7 record, were one of the youngest teams in the league.

“Last year we did not have any seniors and had a very young team,” said Poole. “This year we have a large group of seniors helping to lead the team with younger teammates pushing us to become even better.” 

That strong senior class is led by power forward Haley Leslie, shooting guard Braelynn Roudebush, guard Emma Shafer, power forward Kamryn Shaw, shooting guard Kylie Ujcich, and small forward Ivy Bishop. Ujcich, who is the offense’s spark plug was awarded first-team honors in the EBC last season, while Shafer was named to the second team. Shaw and Bishop, meanwhile, were singled out for honorable mention accolades.

Also returning with another year of experience is junior shooting guard Emma Eddy, as well as a trio of sophomores – small forward KJ Roudebush, point guard Erin Shafer, and power forward Jolana Burgett.

Newcomers to the squad include sophomore small forward Katie Kuba, sophomore shooting guard Lexie Bowe, and freshman shooting guard Emilee Shepherd.

Even though the Warriors are in the enviable position of not graduating any players from last season, the team still needs some time for the new players to soak up the system.

“We have some new and younger players stepping onto the floor that have not all played with the older girls,” said Poole. “They will have to find the flow and trust each other on the floor.”

Defending EBC champion West Branch went undefeated in conference play for the second consecutive year while Carrollton has been runner-up both seasons. West Branch lost three seniors, but its large junior class remain intact so they will once again be the primary obstacle Carrollton must overcome should the Warriors have designs on usurping the crown. And with Poole leading the charge, you can safely assume the Warriors do.

“Our goal as a team is to be a top contender in the league always,” said Poole. “But we want the No. 1 spot and have been working towards that.”