Photo by John Napalan/Art O’Neill
Last year was a tough one for the St. Anthony girls’ basketball team and head coach Ray Bennett, but this looks like a major bounceback campaign. The Saints finished 9-19 overall last season, fourth place in the Del Rey League. But talented returners and some major new talent have the Saints ranked in Division 2AA to open the season, with big hopes.
“Our goals for the season are high as always,” said Bennett. “But we’ll take things one possession at a time. We won’t be the biggest, strongest, or fastest team but we’re working to be the smartest.”
Leading the way for the Saints is senior guard Drew Sharp, a tough and electric talent who’s signed a scholarship with the Academy of Art University in the Bay.
“She’s improved her outside shooting to go with her ability to slash and create off the dribble,” said Bennett. “She will have a huge year.”
Hannah Bailey will have to guard opponents’ bigs, while Emily Perez will bring outside shooting and leadership.
Among the talented newcomers are sisters Meghan and Bridgette McIntyre, who both shoot and bring poise. The other newcomers are senior Maya Montez and junior Jaya Shelby.
“Both are high activity players who bring leadership, solid work ethic and scoring,” said Bennett.
LONG BEACH GIRLS’ BASKETBALL PREVIEW
Photo by John Napalan/Art O’Neill It’s shaping up to be a special girls’ basketball season in Long Beach, with three teams making appearances in the CIF Southern Section rankings to start the year as well as the reigning Moore League Player of the Year and more than half of last year’s first team
