After posting a 20-11 record in 2017-18, optimism is high for the Hopkinsville Lady Tiger basketball team entering this season. The Lady Tigers’ season came to an end last year in the 2nd Region semifinals at the hands of eventual champions Webster County, while Hopkinsville also saw its two-year run at the top of the 8th District snapped with a championship game loss to crosstown rivals Christian County.
Two seniors graduated, although one, Zakyra Stallworth, was lost to a knee injury mid-season. Guard London Foster moves on as well after averaging 9.7 points a game, third on the team, while providing a steady ball handler.
Foster’s backcourt mate, second-leading scorer Breon Oldham (13.2) returns. Oldham also led the team in assists with 5 per game, and is joined by fellow senior and All-Region selection Jayla Rose. Rose led the team in scoring and rebounding with 16 and 8 a game and figures to be one of the top players in the region. Senior Yogianah McKnight also returns to the starting lineup, after being fourth on the team with 6.4 points a game and chipping in 3 steals per contest.
Fourth-year Coach Anthony Babb will also be looking for contributions from a transfer and a pair of younger players. Senior Areonna Day joins the Lady Tigers after playing at Christian County last season, and will provide a reliable shooter and another ball handler. Sophomore Lakayla Samuel is a strong athlete who can serve as a defensive stopper, while freshman Donnisha Flowers is another athletic option who can score and rebound down low.
Hopkinsville gets the regular season underway on November 27 when the Calloway County Lady Lakers make their way to Tiger Gym. The Lady Tigers nipped Calloway 56-54 in Murray last season.