Lady Purples blew through the region a season ago, hope to do the same in 2021
By Perry Swack
*This article was written in the preseason before Meadow Tisdale’s injury*
Bowling Green Lady Purples
Record last season: 28-6
Postseason finish: Won 4th Region Tournament
The Bowling Green Lady Purples went 18-1 against 4th Region competition a season ago, dropping only a road contest at Russell County by one point (before beating the Lady Lakers by 18 points in the region semifinals). Coach Calvin Head’s squad won the 4th Region title but was unable to compete in the state tournament after the coronavirus pandemic canceled the annual event. The Lady Purples will be hungry to win their second region title in three seasons and return to the state tournament.
Players to Watch
The frontcourt of Bowling Green’s will be hard to deal with for opposing teams. Both junior LynKaylah James and sophomore Meadow Tisdale return to lead the Lady Purples. James averaged 10.3 points per game and 6.8 rebounds, while Tisdale scored 9.6 points and 7.8 rebounds a night. James led the team in three-point shooting percentage at 46.2% and shot nearly 50% from the floor. Both players had great seasons in 2019-20 and will be expected to pick up right where they left off.
X-Factors
With the loss of leading scorer Saniyah Shelton (transferred to Warren Central) and the preseason injuries to guards Kiyah Gray and Janiyah Bailey (who will both return), coach Head will be looking for other guards to step up and carry the torch. Ava Bennett (2.8 PPG) and Emma Huskey (2.4 PPG) will be called upon early to help handle the ball until Gray and Bailey return. Their success will help steady the wave against a tough early schedule with games against Barren County, Marshall County, and Sacred Heart.
Dates to Circle
January 22 vs. Sacred Heart – 7th Region champs travel to Bowling Green for intriguing matchup
January 30 vs. DeSales – The Lady Purples will welcome 5th Region champion Elizabethtown for a showdown of two state tournament hopefuls
February 25 vs. Russell County – Lady Lakers were the only team to clip Bowling Green last season in the 4th Region
