Eagles bring back deep talent

SUBMITTED PHOTO
The 2015 Jefferson girls’ basketball team roster includes: Front row, from left: Kiera Greer, Emma Lager, Stephanie Chor, Vanessa Holtman, Kelsi McQuinn, Amber White, Ashley Riley. Back: Sarah Chor, Mikayla Mattson, Kellie Palmer, Jessie Henry, Vanessa Pappert, Kayla Schmitz, Josie Deen.

After finishing last season with a 26-3 record and a district championship, the Jefferson girls’ basketball team looks to make it back-to-back district championships this year.

The Eagles finished 7-0 in the Platte Valley Conference and won the PVC and Stanberry tournaments. Jefferson also captured a second-place finish in the North Platte Tournament.

“I’m very excited to get this season started,” Jefferson head coach Tyler Pedersen said. “I have a great group of girls to work with.”

The team returns a handful of key players, including last year’s Daily Forum All-Nodaway County Player of the Year senior Jessie Henry, who averaged 15 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game.

Senior Vanessa Holtman returns this season after missing last season with a knee injury.

Jefferson also has juniors Kelsi McQuinn, Sarah Chor, and Kayla Schmitz returning this season.

For this season, Pedersen wants the squad to develop confidence shooting the ball, and bring a high level of focus and intensity to every practice and game, which will be key playing in the PVC.

“The PVC should be competitive this season,” Pedersen said. “DeKalb, North Andrew, and South Nodaway bring a lot back from good teams last season. Northeast Nodaway looks to be very competitive as well.”

Jefferson opens its season at 6 p.m. Nov. 24 against South Harrison at home.