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 4th Region Quarterfinals
Warren East reached the 4th 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.
Dates to Circle
January 16 vs. Glasgow – East hosts the Lady Scotties in a game that could be a preview for a 4th Region Tournament matchup
January 26 @ Warren Central – The Lady Raiders take on rival Warren Central against an ever-improving Lady Dragon program
January 29 @ Bowling Green – The Lady Raiders travel to play the Lady Purples after nearly upending them at BG a season ago
