The Ballinger girls basketball team is primed to take the next step this season. The Lady Bearcats were 17-7 a year ago and finished 10-4 as the third-place team from District 6-3A behind perennial powerhouses Jim Ned and Wall. But Ballinger lost in the bi-district round to Coahoma 51-47.
“We will not be as deep as last year, but if we can stay healthy we should be as good if not better,” said veteran coach Jerry McSherry, who is in his 29th season at Ballinger.
The Lady Bears will rely on its quickness and experience, led by 5’6” junior guard Addison Martin.
“She is a very good floor general, extremely quick and smart,” McSherry said of Martin, who led the team in assists last season.
Martin was the San Angelo Standard Times’ player of the week in early February last season when she averaged 10.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.5 steals and five assists in pair of Ballinger victories.
Jenna Battle, a 5’7” senior guard, led Lady Bearcats in scoring a year ago.
“Jenna is a tough defensive player who has really improved her shot,” McSherry added.
Emma Toliver, a 5’11” senior post/forward, was the team’s top rebounder last season, but McSherry said Toliver “has a very good outside shot” to complement her inside play.
A lack of size and depth is the team’s biggest weakness, according to McSherry.
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