Purdy expands schedule, looks to improve on 2-17 season

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

Purdy girls basketball coach Stephanie Heman enters her second season at the helm hoping a year of experience — and a bolstered schedule — will help the Lady Eagles turn a corner.

“This is my ninth year as a head coach but my 14th year coaching basketball,” Heman said. “I really enjoyed my first year back coaching basketball. Although we didn’t win very many games, there was a great deal of growth last season. We are hoping to build on that and definitely wanting to get some more wins this season. We lost several games by 4 or less points. They played hard and improved in several areas. This year we will continue to work on fundamentals and our team chemistry.”

Purdy returns three starters and six letterwinners after a 2-17 season, and Heman said several players are positioned to take steps forward.

“Sophomore Ellie Nunez will play point guard again this season,” Heman said. “She was our second leading scorer. I am looking at her to step up and lead us defensively this year as well as bringing the ball up the court. Shelbie Patterson, also a sophomore, plays hard defensively. Her growth throughout the season last year was a huge plus for us. She isn’t afraid to take it to the hole and works hard on the boards.”

Returning as last year’s leasing scorer is Kenzi Postlewait.

“She is quick and likes to get up and down the floor,” Heman said. “I am looking for her to help handle the ball this year and be more of a defensive threat.”

Rounding out returners is Lizett Aldava, a junior who contributed 3 points per game.

“Lizett was a very deceiving player,” Heman said. “She is so strong and works hard on the inside. Her leadership on the floor is a must this year. I look for her to become more of a scoring threat as well as a defensive treat at the post position.”

Heman also highlighted additional leadership emerging from the senior class.

“Our senior leader will be Courtney Patterson,” Heman said. “She works hard and is quick. I look for her to help make our defense stronger. Courtney is coming out this year after not playing for a few years. She is very athletic and works hard. I am excited to see what she can do for us defensively. as well as on the boards.”

Also joining the squad this year is freshman Lauren Lamp.

“For her size, Lauren is very deceiving,” Heman said. “She is strong and quick. She has a nose for the basketball and getting into position to rebound. She works hard and I see her being a big contributor for us defensively.”

Heman also added another late newcomer to the mix.

“Kierstyn Postlewait is a 5-4 junior and sister to Kenzi,” Heman said. “She hasn’t played for a few years but will be a positive addition to the team. She is quick and will help out defensively. She works hard and with time will gain confidence offensively.”

As Purdy prepares to navigate a full schedule, defense remains the focus.

“I think our defense is probably our strength, because we have some quickness, we just need to be more aggressive with it,” Heman said. “We must take care of the ball and limit our turnovers. We have some tough opponents that can score. We have to limit their scoring if we want to have an opportunity to win.”

Heman said the expanded slate provides more opportunities for development.

“Our schedule is full this year,” Heman said. “Last year, we only played 19 games because we were not sure of our numbers. We added a holiday tournament this year.”

Along with growth, Heman said this year’s group knows what it wants to prove.

“This is a great group of girls,” Heman said. “We are small but we play hard. We learned a lot last season and hopefully gained some confidence.”

Rivalries should again add intensity to the season’s rhythm.

“I would say Southwest and Wheaton are our biggest rivals,” Heman said. “Southwest is in our conference and both are close in proximity.”

The Lady Eagles will also again face a challenging district field.

“Our district has some very solid teams; Blue Eye, Marionville, Galena, Wheaton and Crane,” Heman said.

Heman said the team is motivated to continue its upward trajectory, relying on returners who experienced last season’s tight contests and competitive moments. With key contributors back, newcomers adding depth, and defense taking center stage, she believes Purdy is equipped to take meaningful steps forward.

Purdy’s season began on Nov. 22 at the Verona Tip-Off Classic. The home opener is on Dec. 11 against Thomas Jefferson.