GRAY DEYOSports Writer

Last year’s freshman class had a big part in helping the Lady Wildcats basketball team win a district championship. Here are two more class of 2028 players, Kenzie Farrell and Zoie Roberts, who could help the ‘Cats be successful again next season. As well as also evaluating the impact current freshman Genevieve Hickerson could have on the team.

Kenzie Farrell

Farrell found her way into the rotation early in the season for the varsity Lady Wildcats’ squad, but her time was limited. Despite that, she still found a way to impact the game and showed what she has to offer as a player. Much like her brother, Xavier Farrell, she has a knack for getting downhill and creating shots around the basket. She has tough shot-making ability to capitalize at an even higher clip when driving to the basket. Farrell is also a perfect plug-and-play player. When she is on the floor she is always making the right play.

“Kenzie is a tremendous defensive disrupter on the ball and a very good rebounder offensively and defensively. She can score in multiple ways at all three levels. She has a relentless motor and is a fierce competitor,” head coach of the Lady Wildcats Chad Hibdon said regarding Farrell’s game.

Zoie Roberts

The young guard Roberts played spot minutes last season, but the minutes she played were some important ones. With a shortened guard rotation headed into the latter part of the season and the district playoffs, Robert’s name was called upon. When she came in she did not get fazed by the pressure that comes at the varsity level. She kept things moving and was great at finding open teammates. This part has been repeated time and time again but it remains true.

This class of 2028 girls is scrappy.

Roberts, like the rest of the freshmen who played for Hibdon’s squad, made an impact defensively.

“Zoie’s impact on the court this year will be her ability to score the basketball,” said coach Hibdon.

“She has the chance to be an elite three-point shooter, as she continues to work on her consistency. She plays with tenacity and rebounds the ball well.”

Genevieve Hickerson

It will be Hickerson’s first year playing for the Lady Wildcats’ basketball program. Last year she played for East Middle School and put together a great individual season while playing for the Lady Panthers. She, like Farrell, can score at all three levels.

Hickerson displayed a high-arching perimeter jumper, and a great interior game to go with it. She has great speed and she uses every ounce of it in getting past defenders down the court to create chances to score.

“Gena had a great summer for us. She is an elite athlete who impacts the game on offense and defense. As she gets more comfortable with our system and concepts, her impact will continue to rise. We are excited to see her grow into a major part of this upcoming season’s success,” said Coach Hibdon regarding Hickerson.