NEW PARIS — Although National Trail has just one senior on its girls’ basketball team, the Blazers will feature an athletic, talented team for the 2017-18 season.
“We are a young team with expectations of competing at the highest level in the conference this season. I have been given the privilege of taking over a team that, while young, is loaded with leadership and determination,” said first-year coach Michael Paige. “I am looking forward to seeing what these young ladies are going to do on the court this season.”
Trail will be looking to improve on its 10-13 record from last season and return four starters.
What the Blazers lack in height they make up for with quickness and athleticism.
JaLynn Byrd is the team’s lone senior. She will be joined by juniors Evan Byrd and Savanna Abner. The fourth returning starter is sophomore Makena Laird.
Rounding out the roster are returners sophomore Kelsey Patrum and Davlyn Werner.
Newcomers include, junior Bobbi Grimes, freshman Lexi Benedict, freshman Angel Bowers, freshman, Molly Skiner, freshman Caitlin Glland and freshman Hanna Cunningham.
Last year, Trial only had 10 players in the program. This year, they will field a junior varsity team this year,
Paige is hoping his team will challenge for a spot in the top half of the CCC.
“The CCC is a competitive conference that shows a lot of promise from year to year. I’ve been told that Tri-Village and Miami East are at the top of the food chain in the conference,” he said. “I can’t wait to see how we fair against these two teams.”
Trail is scheduled to begin the season at Dixie on Tuesday, Nov. 28.
