After 18 years coaching the Eula boys basketball team, including a state title in 2011 and a state tournament appearance last year, Josh Fostel switched gears and became the head girls basketball coach for the Lady Pirates this season.
His Eula team returns only two starters and four lettermen from last year’s District 13-1A championship squad. The Lady Pirates were 19-7 a year ago and 10-1 in district play, advancing to the Class 1A regional quarterfinals.
Eula graduated three key players off last year’s that dropped a 44-41 heartbreaker to Hermleigh in the third round of the playoffs.
A lack of size and experience is Fostel’s biggest concern, but he notes the team strengths are its “athleticism and strength.”
Avery Meers, a 5’7’ senior guard, is Eula’s top returning player. She is a four-year varsity player, averaging 11 points and five rebounds per game last season. Meers made 43 3-pointers in the 2020-21 season.
Madison Stawarczik, a 5-9 senior forward, averaged 5.2 points and five rebounds per game a year ago.
Other players that Fostel is counting on include junior forward Hannah Cauthen, who averaged six points and 4.7 rebounds per game last season, and junior guard Pree Goodman.
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