Dialog reporter
MAGNOLIA — St. Thomas More will be challenged to repeat last season’s 17-3 record, which ended with a loss to Concord in the quarterfinals of the state tournament. Coach Crystal Gordon’s team returns just three players: junior Dah’Naija Barnes and sophomores Jessica Simmons and Aniah Patterson. The newcomers to watch include freshmen Kayla Barnes and Nicole Rainford.
Seven players have departed from last season, either through graduation, injury or other circumstances. Gordon said her team will need to “put in an incredible amount of work and focus” to be successful this season.
“We have a good amount of talent,” she said. “On the other hand, we are extremely young. We are working to identify leadership in this young group.”
The Ravens open this afternoon at home against Wilmington Friends at 4:15 p.m. The schedule is tough, with road trips to Hodgson, St. Elizabeth, Milford and Caravel. The Ravens also play in the Lady Wildcats MLK Showcase at Howard High School in January.
“We are working to create an environment that encourages leadership and growth. We have a pretty tough road ahead of us, but I am a person of faith and believe that hard work will pay off,” Gordon said.
