Juniors to lead squad with numerous incoming freshmen

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

The Wheaton girls basketball team is looking forward to a year of growth and development behind a deep junior class and an energetic new group of freshmen.

“We have more numbers this year and are junior heavy,” said Jessica Dermott, Lady Bulldogs coach. “With no seniors, this will be a fun year to watch these girls grow together.”

Dermott said the Lady Bulldogs return several key players from last season who will play major roles again this year.

“Harmony Loftis will be a junior,” Dermott said. “She was a forward and our leading scorer last season. I’m excited to watch her get after it this season. Meyah Peckham, a junior and our point guard, did great things last season and was leading in assists. I’m excited to watch her grow this season.”

Perla Hinijosa, is a junior center or forward, and another junior, Mallory Roller, will contribute

“Perla worked hard and did great around the basket, pulling rebounds and handling post players defensively,” Dermott said. “Mallory grew a lot last season and I can’t wait to see her in her new role.”

Dermott said she also expects support from additional returning players.

“Savanna Holenda and Shaylee Prewitt will also help with minutes this season,” she said.

The Wheaton lineup will also feature a promising group of newcomers ready to contribute immediately.

“Hallie Potarf will be a freshman this year for us and will come in and do great things,” Dermott said. “She works super hard in anything she does. Carrie Nelson, Donna Juarez and Ashlynn Prewitt will also contribute as incoming freshmen.”

Dermott said the biggest strength for the Lady Bulldogs this season comes from their numbers and their unity.

“With no seniors and more numbers, that will help us be able to have more bench play,” she said.

While Wheaton’s roster is deeper than in recent seasons, Dermott said the team’s success will depend on learning how to close out tight games.

“Finishing games this season [will be key],” she said. “We had a lot of close games last year. This year, we need to learn to finish games and play until the last buzzer goes off.”

Dermott said her goal for the season is simple but meaningful.

“[Our goal is] growth in all areas,” she said.

The Lady Bulldogs will get their first test at home in the preseason jamboree.

“We will host our jamboree again this season,” Dermott said. “It will be [Thursday] with Southwest and Purdy.”

Dermott said she is eager to see how the group comes together as the season unfolds.

“We are very excited to get this season underway,” she said. “These girls have continued to stay and work hard on and off the court.”

Among the highlights of the upcoming season will be a personal milestone for one of Wheaton’s standouts.

“Harmony will score her 1,000th point this season as a junior,” Dermott said. “She scored over 400 points last year as a sophomore, so I’m excited for her this season.”

Wheaton opened the regular season on Nov. 22 at the Verona Tip-Off Classic. The home opener is on Dec. 2 against Purdy.