Big game experience sets up Eagles for good year

By Phil Cobb | November 18, 2017 |

DUSTIN HENGGELER/DAILY FORUM
The 2017-2018 Jefferson girls basketball team is front row: Josie Deen, Kellie Palmer, Stephanie Chor, Mikayla Mattson, Vanessa Pappert and Chelsea Greer; back: Ashley Riley, Ashley Mattson, Sydnee Deen, Malia Collins and Megan Galbraith.

The Jefferson Eagles return to the courts after being just one game away from the final four last season. Losing to powerhouse Mercer in the state quarterfinals, the Eagles return this season with a renewed hope of picking up where they left off.

And they have the roster to do it.

Losing just three players from their deep-run 2016-2017 season (Kayla Schmitz, Sarah Chor, and Kelsi McQuinn), Jefferson has plenty of familiar faces reentering the squad to provide the team with plenty of big game experience.

While it will be hard to replace the ball handling skills of Schmitz and Chor, or the quick defense from McQuinn, players like Josie Deen, Stephanie Chor, Mikayla Mattson, Vanessa Pappert, Amber White and Ashley Mattson helped make the team what it was last season. And coach Tyler Pedersen will be relying on them once again to provide the bulk of talent Jefferson basketball has become accustomed to.

“We bring back a core of players with ‘big game’ experience,” Pedersen said. “With that being said we will also have a mix of younger players who have a chance to contribute this season. I am anxious to see who will step up as our leader on and off the court.”

Alongside their elite eight run, the Eagles finished their season with a 27-3 record, tying South Nodaway at 12-1 for a share of the conference title.

Pedersen said he expects the same discipline from his team in order to win those same accolades.

“We want to approach practice and games with the focus level and intensity needed to put ourselves in position to be successful in tournament and conference play,” he said.

He is coming into his 12th year with the team, 10th as head coach. Charlea Lewis is back for her 9th year as assistant coach.

Pedersen added that the difficult schedule he has once again set up for the team will help in their development against adversity. He said he’s looking forward to another fun season of working with a great group of girls.