Kyla Speights, a 5’3” junior guard, is a returning first-team all-district player for the Abilene Cooper girls basketball team.
“She is a very hard worker and an extremely smart player,” Cooper coach Arsenio Geter said of Speights. “She will be a third-year letterman this year that will bring knowledge and experience to our team.”
Speights, who averaged 14.8 points and 2.2 assists per game last season, is one of three returning starters and five returning lettermen for the Lady Cougars. Cooper was 10-16 last year, finishing 2-8 in District 4-5A. But Geter, beginning his fourth year as the head coach at Cooper, expects an improved team this year.
“We are stronger mentally that will allow us to be a closer unit on the floor,” he said.
Geter listed speed and athleticism as strengths of his squad this year, but a lack of size is still challenge.
Kaleiagha Kemp is Cooper’s top returning rebounder after averaging 5.2 rebounds per game last season.
The Lady Cougars are also counting on 5’6” senior Ariona French and 5’8” sophomore forward Jazlyn Hatcher.
“Ariona is our defensive engine,” Geter stated. “She brings a great spark to our team and will bring great senior leadership. After becoming a starter (as a freshman) late in the season last year, Jazlyn will bring the team some essential knowledge along with her youth and speed.”
Cooper and Abilene Wylie will battle four Lubbock teams for the four playoff berths from District 4-5A.
Leave a Reply