GIRLS BASKETBALL: With defending Frisco MVP, Crocker looks for more success

And head coach Tom Bildner is poised for another strong season with a veteran unit returning.

Bildner, now in his third year as Lady Lions head coach, has four full-time starters back from last season’s squad, which finished 21-5 overall and 5-2 in the Frisco League.

In all, the Lady Lions have five players who have varsity starting experience back in the fold - including the returning Frisco League MVP.

“With four starters returning, we look for the team’s offense to be fueled by strong perimeter shooting, unselfish ball movement and the ability to attack the basket,” Bildner said.

The now-veteran group of starters that Crocker returns are 5-9 senior forward Gretchen Candee, 5-6 senior guard Alivia Hayes, 5-8 junior guard Lexi Ament, 5-8 junior guard Tessa Danielson and 5-9 junior forward Hailey Stewart.

Another lettermen back includes 5-8 junior forward Bailey Worstell.

Two freshmen coming up hoping to be factors are 5-9 forward Aubrey Worstell and 5-5 guard Destiny Medlen.

A loss to graduation that the Lady Lions must overcome is Karli York (8.3 points, 5.6 rebounds).

Balanced scoring returns for the Lady Lions, led by Ament, who was selected Frisco League Player of the Year last season.

Ament fired in 18.1 points per game last season while also averaging 2.6 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 2.6 steals. Also for Crocker, Candee averaged 9.1 points, 3.4 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks; Danielson 9.3 points, 3.5 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 2.6 steals, and Hayes 8.2 points, 3.0 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.5 steals.

“Ament is a standout performer and key leader for the team,” Bildner said. “She led with skill and consistency, shooting 44% from the three-point range while also contributing at the point guard position. Her talent and versatility make her one of the team’s most dependable players. Candee is a strong leader on the court while stretching the floor with her three-point shooting. Her versatility and presence make her a key contributor to the team’s success.

“Danielson consistently gives maximum effort and sets the tone with her hard work. As the team’s point guard, she runs the offense effectively and is also a strong rebounder who battles on every possession. Hayes provides a strong presence on both ends of the floor, knocking down threes and using her quickness to be an effective defender.”

Crocker averaged 55 points per game while allowing an average of 41.9.

Bildner feels improved rebounding will be a key in even better defensive play.

“Returning Danielson and Candee to the lineup this year, while also adding Stewart inside, will help strengthen our ability to control the boards,” he said. “Our guards do a good job applying pressure and forcing turnovers.”