Apollo should be one of the favorites to contend for a 3rd Region girls’ basketball title after returning almost every player from last year’s successful campaign.
The E-Gals went 20-13 last season, winning 10 of their last 13 games before losing in the region championship.
“We have reached the finals of the 3rd Region tournament two out of the past three seasons,” said head coach Natalie Payne. “We return six juniors with varsity experience. We feel that will be very competitive in district and regional play.”
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All six juniors played significant roles for Apollo last year and will figure to do the same this year.
Kassidy Daugherty (10.3 ppg) and Amber Dunn (8 ppg, 5.5 rpg) return as the team’s leading scorers.
“Kassidy is a heady guard who sees the floor,” Payne said. “She is a 3-point threat and loves the mid-range game. Amber can score in a variety of ways — she can get to the rim and finish, and she has developed an outside shot.”
Zoe Floyd (7 ppg, 7 rpg) and Amari Sanders are a couple of post players who provide a strong presence down low.
“Zoe brings toughness,” Payne said. “She’s strong around the basket, has a knack for rebounding and is willing to sacrifice her body for the team. Amari finishes well around the basket and is very athletic.”
Rounding out the junior core are 3-point sharpshooter Addison Carter and defensive specialist Brylee Rhodes.
Apollo also added some new talent this year, namely with Amaya Curry — a sophomore transfer from Owensboro. Last season, Curry averaged 14 points as a freshman point guard.
Payne is hoping an experienced group will help lead Apollo to a more consistent season that gives them another shot at a region championship.
“We’re hoping to have more consistency on both ends of the floor,” Payne said. “We need to get out of transition and force turnovers. Overall, mental toughness will be a big key for us.”
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