Stacked backcourt will lead Harrison Central girls basketball team 

Harrison Central girls basketball coach Chace Smith is in the process of getting his team ready for the upcoming season. Though the returning players are excited and ready to get started, replacing the loss of strong leaders to graduation presents a high hurdle for the experienced coach of the Lady Huskies to clear.

But, while Harrison Central will feel the absence of its graduated players, returnees Kara Blackburn, Mikayla Pelegreen, Bailey Smith and Kelsey Powers are four guards who will bring back the speed they used to outrun and outplay most of their opponents, and their coach has a lot of confidence in his returning speedsters and embraces a mission to improve on the 16-win campaign of last season.

“Coming off a 16-win season, this year’s team enters the winter with a mix of excitement and challenge,” Smith said. “The program graduated a highly productive senior class — Maddie Sedgmer, Lauren Doane and Kennedy Dunlap — whose contributions totaled more than 500 rebounds and 600 points a year ago. Losing that level of output creates undeniable gaps, but it’s far from unfamiliar territory. My assistant staff also says this isn’t the first time we’ve had to replace meaningful seniors.

“We’ll adjust, revamp, and find new ways to be successful,” Smith added. “One of those adjustments will be a stylistic shift; the team will be smaller this season, and its style of play is expected to reflect increased speed, pressure, and versatility.”

Among the letter winners Smith expects to anchor the roster is senior guard Blackburn, who brings leadership and big-game experience after making 58 steals and 29 3-pointers as a junior. Ready to letter for the third season, the District V honorable mention pick a year ago should shoulder the ballhandling duties and Smith is looking for her to elevate her scoring.

Pelegreen, also a two-year letter winner, returns as a junior following a strong sophomore season in which she averaged 8 points per game, knocking down over 30 3s and collecting 48 steals en route to earning second-team All-District mention last year. Pelegreen’s calling card is her defense.

Smith, another junior, and the sophomore Powers add to Harrison Central’s talent and potential in the backcourt. Smith is expected to make strides with her ballhandling and shooting, while Powers emerged last season with several breakout performances as a freshman and her speed and quickness on both ends will make her an important piece as she steps into significantly larger responsibilities.

Zoe Whipkey, Addy Stull, and transfer Emily Cope are among the players in the mix to earn meaningful playing time, while a talented freshman class arrives from the junior high ranks, bringing athleticism and depth. Several could make an immediate impact, including transfer Ava Conley, Ella Smith, and Shayla Namath.

 While the roster may look different from last year’s successful squad, the program’s expectations remain high.

“With a quicker, smaller lineup and a core of experienced returners ready to expand their roles, the team aims to build on last season’s success and continue its tradition of toughness, defensive intensity, and steady improvement,” said Smith.