The Richmond Hill Lady Wildcats have wrapped up their summer ball workouts and tournaments and are looking to have another great season. 

“Over the summer we were able to continue to build on the foundation we have set,” head girls’ basketball coach Sarah Jones said. “We had a lot of returners and a lot of new players to join our program, either from the middle school or new to the area.”

“Summer can be hard without having all of the players there due to summer vacations and/or injuries, but when we had everyone there it gave us a good look at our potential for next year.”

With team leader and captain MaKiyah Matthews graduating, a career 1,000-point shooter, the Lady ‘Cats have big shoes to fill, but Jones feels they are prepared. 

“MaKiyah will be tough to replace, but just like with anything else, a hole is there and we will have to have one or more players to step up to fill the holes that are there,” Jones said. “She was a great player and leader for us, and we know she will go on and do great things at the college level, but we will definitely have to have people step up next year.”

Among those stepping up, is Jada Brown and Mmekom Inyang, two of the team captains. Inyang has been preparing for her Junior Olympics trials for much of the summer. 

“We have our returning captains from last year, Jada Brown and Mmekom Inyang, who continue to be great leaders for us,” Jones said. “Ariyana Canady, who is another senior, stepped up and was a leader for us this summer. 

“We have a lot of players who have stepped up and led in a variety of ways, and the hope is that continues throughout the preseason and season for our team and program to continue to move forward in the right direction.

“We had to have several younger players step up this summer with players being out for different reasons, but it allowed some of the younger players to get more reps. We were able to see them play at another level and at some different positions, but it gave us a good look at what potential they have as far as play or position.”

Coming off of a season in which they made the playoffs, the Lady Wildcats look to build on that, but they do know that it will be a tough journey. 

“Our region is really tough, there are great teams,” Jones said. “We have added Tift County to our region, so every night is going to be a fight. 

“Our goal for this upcoming season is to work really hard and compete each day in practice and the weight room, which in turn will help push us towards our goal of being at the top of our region.”

With Coach Jones at the helm, and her support staff, the Lady Wildcats are primed for another great season and potential playoff run.