Alyssa O’Malley, a 5’10” senior guard brings three years of varsity experience to the Merkel girls basketball team this year. She is one of two returning starters and six lettermen back for the Lady Badgers.
“Alyssa has been named defensive player of the year for the past two seasons for our district,” said Merkel coach Laura Lange. “We are expecting another great season from her, and she is definitely a player to watch. She has verbally committed to play at the collegiate level next year.”
O’Malley averaged 10.3 points, five rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.8 steals per game last year to lead the Lady Bears in all four statistical categories.
Merkel posted a 17-11 record last year and was 8-6 in District 6-3A, finishing fourth and advancing to the area round of the Class 3A playoffs.
“We will continue to be very competitive,” Lange added. “We are athletic and quick. Our biggest strengths are pressure defense, scoring in transition and playing fast.”
O’Malley will be joined in the backcourt by 5’6” junior guard Avery Holloway.
“Avery has a great shot and is always ready to spot up for the open 3,” Lange said. “She loves to push the ball in transition and play fast. She is quick defensively, which creates havoc for our opponents.”
Manning things inside the paint for Merkel will be 5’10” senior post Sydnee Gilbreath.
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