Jeff Harrison
Kevin Korstjens knows the Class 6A girls’ basketball field is again stacked this season, but the Edmond North coach still likes their odds. With a host of returning talent, led by two-time All-Edmond Player of the Year Elizabeth Donohoe, the Lady Huskies figure to be one of the teams battling for a gold ball in March.
“If we play the way we’re capable and do the little things that make us good I think we can play with anyone,” Korstjens said. “I’m just excited about having a big group coming back that have experience and are expecting a lot out of themselves.”
The North girls are coming off their best season in school history with a 23-3 record and a trip to the state tournament. But that magical season came to an abrupt end as the Lady Huskies were eliminated by Norman in the first round.
“Last year we got a taste of what the state tournament was,” Korstjens said. “Our girls didn’t want to go home when we had to, they were a bit disappointed and I think that has been a fuel to the fire this preseason.”
By the time playoffs roll around, the North girls should be well tested. Their schedule that includes big games with both Edlam rivals and some tough matchups in the Metro Conference.
“You look at our conference with PC North, Santa Fe, Yukon looks to be a lot better, I expect Mustang to be a whole lot better after having a down year and Putnam City and PC West are always going to be athletic so it won’t be easy,” Korstjens said.
That task will again be manageable with the services of Donohoe. The Oklahoma State commit early averaged a double-double with 18.2 points and 9.7 rebounds per game a year ago and is hungry to take the team to the next level.
Also helping out in the scoring will be Emily Davis, TaNita Dewberry and Jennifer Lee, who is returning from an injury.
The Lady Huskies lost several key players from last year including a strong point guard in Natalie Colton, who is now playing at Cameron University. Filling in at the point will be juniors Kelsey Fitch and Ella Voss, who both saw minutes last year.
Anna Kimsey, who started several games as a sophomore, will likely find a place in the starting lineup. The junior has good size and can score from all over the floor.
Korstjens said he also expects big things from returning varsity players including Tiarra Dewberry, Ashley Webb and Allison Weiss.
The Lady Huskies open the season at home Dec. 4 against PC North.
