Step by Step

Lady Raiders hope to follow up successful season with another in 2021

By Perry Swack

Warren East Lady Raiders

Record last season: 18-11

Postseason finish: Lost in 4^th Region Quarterfinals

Warren East reached the 4^th Region Tournament for the first since Lady Raider legend Ashley Rainey played for the program back in 2008. That was when the program reached four-consecutive region tournaments and played in the finale in 2007. That was the last time the Lady Raiders won a game in the tournament as well. 2021 may be the year where that changes. The team had enough talent last season, but they ran into eventual runner-up Barren County and the Trojanettes knocked out WE, 59-55. Coach Jenny Neville and company hope that the experience and success of ‘19-20 can replicate into even greater achievements in ’21.

Players to Watch

Four of the six players who averaged 5.9 points or higher are gone from a season ago. However, the team’s top two returning scorers do return for the 18-win Lady Raiders. Look no further than Lucy Patterson. The senior averaged 17.8 points and 8.4 rebounds last season and was named first team All-Region. The do-it-all forward also led the team at 43% shooting. Returning alongside Patterson will be second-leading scorer Caroline Forrester. The senior center averaged 7.6 points and 8.9 rebounds per contest in 2019-20. These two players will be the key cogs in the lineup that the Lady Raiders will look to for nightly production as they seek to take their next step.

X-Factors

The rest of the Lady Raiders’ roster saw limited varsity action a season ago, meaning coach Neville will be looking for X-Factors throughout her roster. A few that will be given the opportunity are freshman Natajia Alexander, junior Natalie Harrell, and sophomore Reagan Lawson. All three are guards; while Harrell and Lawson saw more time in 2019-20, Alexander will also provide solid minutes in the backcourt.