Lady Pirates looking at state

POLSON - The Polson Lady Pirates' intentions are no

surprise.

POLSON - The Polson Lady Pirates' intentions are no surprise.

"The goal going into any season would be a trip to the state tournament," head coach Ryan Kelley said. "I felt like the girls competed very well last year and we are looking forward to the same this year."

With senior Breanne Kelley bringing her all-state tournament resume and 12 points per game back to the Linderman Gymnasium, along with all-conference junior guard Mariah Hamel looking to repeat top-ten conference rankings in assists, three-point field goals and steals, the Pirates' prospects look bright.

However, there is the injury bug.

It's looking like all-conference and defensive MVP senior Sierra Pete will be out for the season after retearing her ACL over the summer. She had torn it originally in the first minute of the divisional championship last winter. Junior Riley Kenney is suffering from a shoulder injury that could nag her throughout the season. Hamel also suffered an elbow injury in preseason practice and will be out four weeks.

"Injuries are one thing we will have to play through," Kelley said. "[Injuries to Kenney and Hamel] could take a toll on the team as far as depth is concerned."

Polson did receive an influx of players from their conference rival, Ronan.

"[Junior guard] Nina Orozco and [senior forward] Jonna Grant, both from Ronan, will have early impact on the squad," Kelley said. "Both girls will fit right in."

Senior forward Marlee Berry suffered a knee injury last season and has worked hard to come back from it.

Look for her to make a splash in her final season as a Lady Pirate.

Team speed will be a luxury for Polson this season with sophomore guards Anna DiGiallonardo and MacKenzie Banner, and rebounding should be a breeze for Tanisha Matt.

They'll be gunning for the Columbia WildKats for the top position in the Northwestern A conference. If they can heal up, there are a lot of things to like about this team.