Lady Cardinals have a wealth of experience back

Todd Reed, The Alliance Review
·2 min read
Returning letter winners for the 2021-22 Sandy Valley varsity girls basketball team are (front row, left to right) Breeli Faiello, Alexis Dotson and Zoe Ward; and (back row) Lexi Tucci, Jordan Parker, Abbey Parker, Amber Ward and Alli Neary.
Returning letter winners for the 2021-22 Sandy Valley varsity girls basketball team are (front row, left to right) Breeli Faiello, Alexis Dotson and Zoe Ward; and (back row) Lexi Tucci, Jordan Parker, Abbey Parker, Amber Ward and Alli Neary.
Members of the 2020-21 Sandy Valley girls basketball team are (front row, left to right) Casey Russell, Tatum Davis, Ashley Horsely, Trinity Dalo and Peyton Nicholson; (second row) Breeli Faiello, Michalina Krzywanska, Alli Neary, Zoe Ward, Lexi Tucci and Alexis Dotson; and (back row) Coach Todd Sickafoose, Amber Ward, Jordan Parker, Abbey Parker and Head Coach Tim McBride.

Sandy Valley Head Coach Tim McBride has one of his most experienced teams heading into the 2021-22 girls basketball season.

The Lady Cardinals return eight letter winners, including all five starters, from last season’s team that went 11-11 overall and 5-6 in league play.

Back are seniors Abbey Parker (post), Alli Neary (post), Amber Ward (wing) and Alexis Dotson (wing); junior Jordan Parker (wing); and sophomores Lexi Tucci (point guard), Zoe Ward (wing) and Breeli Faiello (wing).

A. Parker averaged 10.8 points and 9.8 rebounds a season ago, and was named to the IVC first team and East District second team.

Neary averaged 9.2 points during her junior year, and was selected to the IVC second team and East District honorable mention.

Tucci was selected to the IVC honorable-mention team.

Also being looked upon to contribute are juniors Ashley Horsely, Trinity Dalo and Michalina Krzywanska; and freshmen Peyton Nicholson, Tatum Davis and Casey Russell.

“This team has three players who are three-year letter winners and returns eight players that started at one time or another last season,” stated Coach McBride. “Jordan Parker, Lexi Tucci and Zoe Ward provide length and athleticism to supplement the experience provided by the seniors.

“Hiland will continue to be a force in league action as will Tusky Valley. Ridgewood brings back their core of eight physical players. Garaway is traditionally scrappy and fundamentally sound.

“Claymont returns a strong nucleus of experienced and improving players, and Indian Valley plays with intensity and toughness.

“The league should be the most balanced it’s been in years.

Coach McBride projects his starting lineup to consist of A. Parker, Neary, A. Ward, J. Parker and Tucci.

“Attitude will determine whether this team reaches its potential as a league title contender or settles at being an also ran, average girls basketball team.”

This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Lady Cardinals have a wealth of experience back