A look at Waverly as the girls basketball season begins

WAVERLY − Waverly is due for a growth spurt. After achieving its second consecutive sectional title last season and fighting for a top spot in the Southern Ohio Conference, it will have to retrace its steps. Much of Waverly's previous starting rotation has been lost to graduation, and younger players will have to step in to fill the gaps.

Some might consider it a bad omen for a team in a top-heavy conference. But the Tigers have plenty of reasons to be optimistic. Their senior class is still brimming with talent, and a host of underclassmen are prepared to take on further responsibility.

Before the 2022-23 season gets underway, here's a sneak peek at the Tigers and what you need to know:

Inside the Tigers

Coach John Bonifield enters his 14th year at the helm, and the Tigers are looking to continue their streak of success under his command. The Tigers notched a 16-8 record last season under Bonifield, and their 10-5 record in the SOC earned them fourth place in the conference standings.

The Tigers have also found success in the postseason as of late. They've won two consecutive sectional titles and only lost to Fairfield Union by eight points in last season's Division II district semifinals.

Who's gone, and who's back?

The bad news for the Tigers is that they will be heading into this season without three former starters at their disposal. Ava Little, Delaney Tackett and Sarah Thompson have all graduated, and their absence leaves a massive hole in the lineup that needs to be filled.

But Waverly won't have to look far for a fix. Current seniors Kelli Stewart and Bailey Vulgamore have returned to the lineup, and they will provide a foundation for Waverly to build upon this year. Stewart averaged 16.8 points, nine rebounds and 2.8 assists per game last season, was named to the All-SOC First Team and was a Division II All-Ohio Special Mention.

Vulgamore is just as effective as Stewart. The guard averaged 15 points, 4.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game last season, and was named to both the All-SOC Second Team and the Division II All-Ohio Honorable Mentions list.

"We have to find pieces to fill in around our talented senior class," Bonifield said. "At the beginning of the season we are going to rely on them to lead our team until the rest of the players become more comfortable playing at the varsity level."

Filling in the floor

Waverly's starting rotation might experience some growing pains, but its core of Stewart and Vulgamore won't be without help. Fellow senior Morgan Crabtree and sophomore Caris Risner will likely see ample time on the floor as part of the rotation. Crabtree and Risner weren't offensive powerhouses last season, but they put up modest numbers and will have more time to shine this season.

Bonifield won't shy away from utilizing his underclassmen either. Waverly has to recover from losing three starters, and acclimating those without much varsity experience will benefit it in the long run. Other sophomores like Aerian Tackett and Savannah South will have to mature quickly alongside freshmen Paige O'Bryant and Sadie Royster. It's a tall order, but Bonifield is confident his players can answer the call.

"The quicker the younger players adapt to the physicality and speed of the game, as well as our system and expectations, the better we will be," Bonifield said.

This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: A look at Waverly as the girls basketball season begins