A new era begins for Banks County basketball. For the Lady Leopards, Steve Shedd left for White County. The good news is Banks County made a slam dunk hire in Jason Gibson, who has an incredible resume and will no doubt keep this program at a high level.
PRESEASON INFO
2023-24 Record: 25-5; Elite 8; #3 Rank
Head Coach: Jason Gibson (1st Season)
Returning Starters: 2
Key Departures: Addison Hoard (UNG), Carley Segars (Young Harris), Ella Kate Shedd (to White County)
Key Players: Ryleigh Murphy, Reese Murphy, Emmie Chitwood, Maggie Irvin, Marleigh Dale, Callie Whitlock, Ansley Moore (Athens Christian transfer), Cannon Collier, Janakate Gibson, Maecee Crumley
“Ryleigh and Reese return as double-digit scorers from last year’s team and will provide scoring and leadership again for this year’s group,” says Gibson. “Emmie Chitwood and Maggie Irvin are both returning seniors that will also play big roles this season helping with scoring and defense. Rising sophomores Marleigh Dale and Callie Whitlock will be counted on for rebounding and defense, along with providing an inside punch on offense. Junior newcomers Ansley Moore and Cannon Collier will provide a huge spark on the perimeter with ball handling and shooting. Rising freshmen newcomers Janakate Gibson and Maecee Crumley will be counted on to play big roles as well with perimeter scoring and passing.”
Offense: “We want to play fast and aggressive on offense and constantly stay in attack mode,” states Gibson.
Strengths: “Perimeter play and aggressive defense and rebounding will be things we rely on this year as we build depth and gain valuable experience in the early part of the season,” adds Gibson.
Biggest Challenges: “Replacing the scoring and leadership of last year’s senior group,” adds Gibson.
“We want to develop depth and gain as much experience early in the season as we grow our chemistry and build for a run at a Region Title and prepare for a what we hope is a long run in the State Tournament,” adds coach Gibson.
