(Avoca) AHSTW was on the verge of a state qualification last year and loses just one starter.
The Lady Vikes will be led by Kailey Jones, Claire Harris, Claire Denning, and Julia Kock this season. Jill Vanderhoof is in her first season at the helm. “We have those four girls coming back. We have a lot of experience and then we have a lot of youngsters coming in with pretty good talent.” Vanderhoof says they were, “One play away, one point away from state last year, so we are itching to get right back to where we were last year and then hopefully get to Des Moines this winter.”
Jones, Denning, and Harris give the team a formidable big three. Kailey Jones averaged 16.6 points and 12.6 rebounds per game. She broke the school’s single season rebounding record. “Really had a breakthrough season last year as a junior. She reads the ball well off the rebound, super aggressive. She loves rebounding so she’ll go get the ball anywhere it is at and has found more of a finesse to get to the hoop this year so she’s looking to score.”
Claire Denning averaged 11 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 2.5 steals per game as a junior. “Claire Denning has been a starter for the program for the last three years. She has such a great character about her. The way she plays is just so natural. She’s very long, very athletic. She gets to balls that you don’t think she would tip, so that comes in handy.”
Claire Harris averaged 9.6 points per game along with 3.2 assists and 2.7 steals. “She is also a three year starter, so a ton of experience from her. A very good outside shooter. She likes to drive the ball.”
A talented group of freshman has fans excited for the future. Among those up and coming prospects are Delaney Goshorn, Saydi Paulsen, and Rylie Knop. The Lady Vikes have increased their win total in four consecutive season. Last year they went 20-4.
