The 2018-2019 version of the Lady Patriots certainly looks promising after coming off their first winning season last year in almost a decade with a 13-12 overall record.

Coach Lauren Galvani has been rebuilding this program since she has taken over as the head coach.  The program reached a pivotal test last season and the Patriots have some good talent returning along with additional size to match.

The talented 5’10” sophomore guard Braylan Milton averaged 15 points per game, along with 5 rebounds and 4 assists was selected to the All-Conference and All-District teams as a freshman.  She is already getting a lot of interest from ECU, UNCW and Presbyterian to play collegiate basketball.  Milton, lead the SW4A conference in scoring last season and is expected to repeat again for the Patriots.

Senior guard Sharonda Smith is expected to have a solid campaign and to finish out her career strong this season.  She averaged 9 points per game and is a good ball handler.  She should remain one of the leaders on the court.  Junior Ayanna Anderson at 5″11″ averaged 8 points per game and 9 rebounds last season is expected to improve her game and become a big force under the boards.

Junior Julia Rohlfing at 6’1″ will play the post position for the Patriots.  She is expected to make an impact defensively, become a factor under the boards and make an offensive contribution down low.  Natalyah Wilson is another junior guard that should make a solid impact pushing the ball up the court and setting plays for the Patriots.

Others who are expected to make a significant contribution include returning junior Laura Flynn who has good game experience, seniors Chauncie Byers and Brandi Jackson are expected to contribute off the bench.  While juniors Aaliyah Lowery, Jazmine Draughn and Azuria Barrino should provide additional bench strength.  Newcomer sophomore Grace Breckenridge is expected to fill in under the boards for the Patriots.

This teams goal is to improve upon last years performance in a very competitive SW4A Conference.  “We believe we can compete and will land somewhere in the middle of the pack.  We have a good staring lineup and expect our bench will step up and make a solid effort to keep us in every game,” said Coach Galvani.

The Lady Patriots open up the season in a non-conference game on Tuesday November 20th at home against Hopewell.