For those who thought the graduation of the Banshees two best players they were badly fooled. Despite a loss in their first game against Hart County, Bethlehem has won their last two games and should still be a difficult draw regardless. Head coach Jason Clark’s team is still a nice mixture of size and speed that loves to race down court and pressure the opposition on defense. The offense is led by junior power forward Emma Filiatreau, who really worked on her game during the offseason and has emerged as a much more effective inside player leading the team in scoring with 41-points and has pulled down 29-rebounds. Inside threat Xaviara Smalley adds a tall target and a good post game along with a shot blocker as well. Senior guards Bailey Bishop and Kasey Spalding are just as reliable and have become better shooters along with sophomore Carlie Thurmond, who is also a great outside shooter. Those are the starting five and Clark has a great group of youngsters coming off the bench in freshman Tessa Miles, sophomores Ashlyn Miles, Kensey Clayton and Khloe Young.
The Banshees will not change their game plan regardless, so Bowling Green must protect the ball from the ball hawking Banshee guards and make shots. Having Filiatreau and Smalley inside presents a double threat as both can block and alter shots, so staying out of foul trouble will be a key for the Lady Purples.
