Wylie East junior Morgan Jennings averaged 9.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game as a sophomore. File photo
By David Wolman
Last season was a successful one in many ways for the Wylie and Wylie East girls basketball teams — especially for the Lady Raiders, who won a playoff game, while the Lady Pirates were also postseason qualifiers.
As Wylie and Wylie East tip off a new season, C&S Media takes a closer look at both squads — highlighting key returners, newcomers and expectations.
Wylie
Head coach: Nate Heckelman
Last season: 19-12 (lost to Tyler Legacy, bi-district)
The Lady Pirates entered the offseason expecting to be under the direction of head coach Jessica Linson, but she recently left the program to accept an administrative position in the athletics department at Douglass High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
That left Wylie scrambling to find her replacement. The Lady Pirates hired former Garland assistant coach Nate Heckelman, who was officially named to the post Nov. 4 — just three days before the start of the season.
But given Wylie’s recent success, Heckelman doesn’t plan to reinvent things overnight.
“If it isn’t broken, why fix it?” he said. “We’re going to be rolling with what (Linson) had, and as the season progresses, I’ll throw in my own stuff. I didn’t want to overwhelm the girls. They’ve been good the last couple of years.”
The good news for Heckelman is that he inherits a veteran roster.
Junior Shamya Johnson returns to run the point after averaging eight points, four rebounds, 2.9 assists and 3.4 steals per game last season.
Junior Ronelyse Hartfield (8.3 points, 2.8 rebounds) brings versatility, while seniors Addison Montgomery, Maryam Nofal and Simi Shodunke are expected to anchor the paint. Junior Alyson Jeske provides perimeter shooting, while sophomore Mykaela Dalton, junior Chloe Galing and sophomore Aubrey Green add valuable experience.
Freshmen Sade Mathes and Peyton Kelly are expected to contribute immediately.
Wylie has reached the playoffs each of the past seven seasons but hasn’t won a postseason game since 2013.
“They’ve run into a few tough teams the last couple of years, but having experience will help them gain more confidence as the season moves along,” Heckelman said. “Once they have it, they’ll be ready to take the next step.”
Wylie East
Head coach: Meaghan Hodapp
Last season: 18-18 (lost to DeSoto, area)
The Lady Raiders cleared a major hurdle last season, advancing past the first round of the playoffs for the first time in four years.
A 48-35 win over North Forney in bi-district helped Wylie East exorcise its playoff demons, though a 57-47 loss to DeSoto in the area round ended what was a breakthrough campaign.
“It was a great experience for the girls to get over the hump of bi-district,” head coach Meaghan Hodapp said.
As Wylie East begins the new season, the Lady Raiders will have to replace the scoring and leadership of Saliz Ward (14.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.1 steals), last year’s district offensive player of the year.
“She was a great communicator for us on the floor, but I have kids slowly coming along to be the ‘coach voice’ for us,” Hodapp said. “I expect a little more from each one to contribute. We’ll have a much better presence with our new kids on the court, and we’re confident they’ll all contribute.”
Hodapp expects Morgan Jennings, Sidney Sanders and Sharmayne Jones to have strong seasons.
Jennings, a junior, was a force in the paint last year, averaging 9.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game. Sanders, a junior guard, contributed 6.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game.
Sophomore Cori’yon Bolden and freshmen Alexa Bibb and Mychal Henderson bring athleticism and scoring ability, with the potential to attack the rim and shoot from the perimeter. Sophomore Addison Bradshaw is a varsity newcomer who is expected to be a major contributor.
“Defense will be our strength,” Hodapp said. “We have some kids that are defensive-minded and also great rebounders.”
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