Dawson Springs’ girls return two of their top three scorers from last year as the Lady Panthers look to build upon a 12-17 showing in 2018-19.
Dawson went 7-7 over its last 14 games, but bowed to eventual champion Madisonville-North Hopkins 66-50 in the semifinals of the 7th District tournament.
Amanda Scott, who begins her fifth season as Lady Panther head coach, said one of goals for the Lady Panthers would be to have a .500 season in 2019-20.
Dawson Springs, one of the smallest schools in western Kentucky, has not finished a campaign with a winning record since going 12-10 in the 2002-03 season.
The Lady Panthers have never won the 7th District championship. However, Dawson Springs was runner-up to Caldwell County just two years ago.
Guard play figures to be a strength this season as the Lady Panther take aim at a winning season with senior Denisha Randolph and freshman Brooklyn Clark as the two returning starters.
Clark led the team last season with 12.0 points a game while Randolph averaged 6.1 points.
Both are threats from long range. Randolph made 35 of 111 3-point attempts (31.5 percent) a year ago while Clark was 42 of 146 (28.8 percent).
Senior Jalynn Hooper and freshman Abby Ward will move into starting roles for the first time in their careers after strong off-seasons.
The Lady Panthers will be looking for someone to step up and grab the other starting spot as well as some key reserves off the bench.
Besides hoping to surprise in the 7th District this season, Dawson also has a goal of winning the regional All A Classic in January and heading to that state tournament.
“I want people to know how talented and hard working these girls are,” said Scott. “They have worked week in and week out in the off-season on offense, shooting, and strength training. They have been dedicated and focused and I hope others can see the improvement in their game and their determination to succeed.”
The season tips off for the Lady Panthers on Tuesday, Dec. 3, when Dawson Springs hosts Christian Fellowship School for a girls and boys varsity doubleheader.
