Lady Dragons Hungry for More

By Perry Swack

Warren Central Dragons

Record last season: 11-20

Postseason finish: Lost in 14^th District Opening Round

The Lady Dragons of Warren Central have improved their record in each of the last three seasons. A 3-27 record in 2018-19 paved the way for an 11-20 season in 2019-20. Now coach Anthony Hickey’s team is hungry for more. Returning three of your top five scorers gives the team an experienced feel. Adding an All-Region transfer only ups the ante. Central tied with South Warren and Warren East for second place in the 14^th District at the end of the regular season after winning four of its final five district games. However, a tiebreaking draw sent the Lady Dragons to the opening round as the #4 seed and they were upset by Greenwood. They will look to build upon that strong finish.

Players to Watch

The aforementioned All-Region transfer is sophomore Saniyah Shelton. The former Bowling Green standout averaged 12.8 points and 6.3 rebounds a season ago to lead the Purples to a 4^th Region title. Now she will team up with her former rivals to help the Lady Dragons take the next step. Teaming up with Shelton in the backcourt will be senior La Auhnni Lewis. She led Central in scoring at 11.9 points per game while grabbing 3.1 rebounds a night. Shelton’s and Lewis’s ability to play off one another will make them a powerful combination in the 14^th District.

X-Factors

A major X-Factor for the Lady Dragons in 2021 will be Kyleigh Ray. The senior averaged 7.6 points a season ago, splashing in a team-leading 57 three-pointers. If she can continue her streak from long-distance, it will cause defenses to leave the lane open for Shelton and Lewis to attack the basket. Ray also averaged 6.1 rebounds a night. Another X-Factor will be sophomore Kennedee Robinson. She averaged 4.2 points and 2.9 rebounds a game in 2019-20, while shooting 76 free throws – third on the team.