CYRIL PIRATES

GIRLS

Coach: Shane McLemore

2022-23 Record: 25-4

Shane McLemore, one of the few coaches in the state who leads both his school’s girls and boys program, has had rare success in both roles. Last year, he coached Cyril’s boys to 20 wins — and did even better with the girls team. McLemore has a talented group back from his team that recorded 25 wins and appeared in the Class A state tournament in March. Whitney McHugh (5-8, Sr.), McLemore’s floor general, will have big expectations for the 2023-24 season. “She is very fast, can get to the rim and shoot the 3. She is a good defender and rebounder,” McLemore said. “She was a state champion in hurdles and part of a state record 4×100 relay team. She will be able to play at the college level in three sports.” McLemore anticipates defensive show-stopper MaKenzie Raasch (5-5, So.) will lead the state in steals. “She can get to the rim and shoot the 3,” McLemore said. She won four medals as a freshman at the state track meet, and was last led on our state-record 4×100 relay.

She will be able to play at the college level in track or basketball.” Guard Hadley Gibson (5-5, Jr.) averaged 14.0 points per game and “can do it all,” McLemore said. Like McHugh, Gibson could very well play three sports at the collegiate level. She was crucial on the 4×100 relay team that set the state record and finished second individually in the 100m last spring. Averi Carlson (5-2, Jr.) will be a weapon for the Pirates. She finished second on the team in rebounding a year ago. “Good defender and 3-point shooter,” McLemore said. “She is a very hard worker that’s always willing to do whatever we need her to do. She is a great leader and a great person.” The Pirates play their homecoming game Dec. 1 against Sterling.