The 2023-24 Covington Lady Buccs are coming off of a 14-11 record a year ago where they finished fourth in the TRC at 9-5 and reached the district final.
Coach Shawn Naff is back for his second season and his squad returns all but two varsity players (graduates Erika Gostomsky and Meg Rogers) from a year ago, seven of those being returning letter winners; seniors Gracie Anderson and Carlie Besecker, juniors Maggie Anderson, Gabrielle Hartwig and Hannah Alexander, along with sophomore Avery Koffer and Delaney Murphy.
Maggie Anderson led the Lady Buccs in scoring last season with 357 points (14.3 avg.) and was selected first-team all-conference. She also shot an amazing 86.6% from the free throw line by making 71 of 82 attempts. Anderson was second on the team in rebounds with 121 (4.8 avg.).
Carlie Besecker was aimed second-team all-conference last season after tallying 254 points (10.2 avg.) and leading the Lady Buccs with 191 rebounds (7.6 avg.).
Gracie Anderson was third on the team a year ago in scoring with 186 points (8.1 avg.) and second in steals with 48. Gracie’s impact in all phases of the game was monumental, which led to honorable mention in the TRC.
Avery Koffer also earned honorable mention recognition last season as a freshman. Despite missing a few games due to an injury, Koffer scored 142 points (6.2 avg.), pulled down 98 rebounds (4.3 avg.) and led the team with 61 steals.
Gabrielle Hartwig, Hannah Alexander and Delaney Murphy contributed greatly to the team’s success a year ago and will see their impact rise due to the losses of the two seniors who graduated.
An extremely talented freshman class joins the varsity roster and each has the ability to contribute; Stevi Newhouse, Kylie Palsgrove, Bella Batdorf and Emalyn Johnson.
With the talent and experience on the roster, the Lady Buccs hope to challenge for the league championship this season. The TRC is loaded with quality programs with with the top three teams in the league last year (Bethel, Miami East and Milton-Union) all returning plenty of talent as well.