The heartbreak quickly transformed into motivation.
The Kim High School team, in its first state championship appearance last spring, lost 39-38 to McClave and, like any team in that situation, was crushed. Then the Mustangs realized they’d be bringing back seven seniors.
“Even after that game we were already hungry,” said Danielle Lewis, one of the seniors. “While we were crying, we were already thinking about this season.”
The Mustangs, led by Lewis, sharpshooting Shelby Goodrich and all-state post player Haley Sheldon, begin the season ranked atop the Class 1A poll and fully comprehend that this season could be their finest chance to nab their first state crown.
“They all realize it’s a now-or-never deal,” Kim coach Curt Lewis said. “We’ve come up short the past few years, and now it’s time to go get it.”
Danielle Lewis runs the show with Good-rich as the perimeter threat and Sheldon controlling the blocks.
Sheldon has not averaged fewer than 15.2 points a game in her three seasons and put up a career-best 18.6 as a sophomore.
“You’re going to have to double-team her to stop her in the post,” Curt Lewis said. “And then she’s so athletic that you might not stop her anyway.”
Long hampered by McClave, the perennial thorn in its side, Kim has narrowed the gap in recent seasons. And while McClave must compensate for key graduation losses, Kim returns its core.
While the talent and experience is the glaring plus for Lewis’ squad, he also lauds the intangibles of the group, which includes “a basketball IQ which is pretty high.”
Also in the mix will be Stratton, with 5-foot-10 senior Jordan May; McClave, which returns key contributors Karlee Stuart and Anna Kuhns; and Jessica Noble-led Otis.
But Kim is the only team that can enter the season realizing it has all the pieces firmly in place.
1A GIRLS HOOPS
1A top 10
1. Kim
2. Stratton
3. McClave
4. Otis
5. Fleming
6. Flagler
7. Caliche
8. Elbert
9. Hi-Plains
10. Deer Trail
1A players to watch
Name School Ht. Yr.
Beth Cooper Hi-Plains 5-6 Sr.
Samantha Cure Idalia 5-8 Sr.
Shelby Goodrich Kim 5-7 Sr.
Anna Kuhns McClave 5-7 Sr.
Jordan May Stratton 5-10 Sr.
Jessica Noble Otis 5-8 So.
Bay’lee Purdy Deer Trail 5-7 So.
Haley Sheldon Kim 6-0 Sr.
Jamie Stewart Elbert 5-10 Sr.
Jenna Vandenbark Fleming 5-11 Jr.
