The Cross Plains girls basketball team expects to challenge Eula for the District 13-1A crown this year. The Lady Buffaloes return three starters and four lettermen from a team that finished 13-13 overall and 6-4 in district a year ago.
“This year’s team will be more athletic and defensive-minded,” said Dustin Bates, who is in 24th season as the girls coach at Cross Plains. “Our biggest weakness is our lack of experience with success.”
The Lady Buffaloes haven’t won a playoff game in several years, including a 48-38 bi-district loss to regional finalist Hermleigh last season.
Sophomore guard Torri Taylor was the team’s leading scorer before a season-ending injury halfway through the district race. Despite the injury, she was named the district’s newcomer of the year. Her return will certainly be a boost to the Cross Plains offense.
Junior guard Abbigale Shepard and sophomore guard Cadence Wedeking, described by Bates with terms such as “athletic, hard worker, great defender, aggressive, good motor and quick-footed,” will play key roles for the Lady Buffs.
Senior post Jenna Keith gives the team good size down low, according to Bates, who said senior forward Alaina Potter is “a heady player, a good decision maker and a good leader.” Junior guard Kenzie Bates gives Cross Plains an outside shooting threat.
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