High expectations have been set for the Emporia High girls basketball team.
The Lady Spartans are coming off an 18-4 season that saw them making it back to state for the second consecutive year. Emporia High lost leading scorer Rebecca Snyder and reserves Delaney Adams and Arianna Hamilton.
However, the Lady Spartans return 13 players, including 12 seniors, 11 of them who saw limited or significant playing time. Four starters return led by senior Addie Kirmer, an Emporia State signee. The other three starters returning are seniors Lexsey Dewitt, Emeil Bennett, and Alexa Shivley. Also returning are seniors Lauren Williams, Ryan Peak, Taylor Cunningham, Addison Gutierrez, Kyla Herfkens, Damia Zapata, Teegan Baker, and Zayda Pearson along with junior Adeiah Heffner.
Coach Carolyn Dorsey says she hopes her 12 seniors can step up to the challenge.
Dorsey says she hopes the Lady Spartans respond to the loss of Snyder to graduation.
Dewitt says the Lady Spartans want to do something special this year.
Emporia High will play five of its first six games at home which includes the season opener on December 1 against Ottawa. The Lady Spartans will also have three games in the Paul Terry Classic at White Auditorium. The Centennial League opener is on Jan. 2 at Hayden.
