The Magnolia Lady Blue Eagles under head coach Kasey Sapp struggled for most of the season last year with inexperience, but played competitive most of the season against a tough schedule despite finding wins hard to come by. Coach Sapp is hoping for a much improved team as the 2024-25 season gets underway. Despite losing last year’s seniors Malleigha Tamborello and Madeline Delaney both who played important roles for the Blue, Sapp believes this season’s team has what it takes to be very successful.

“We are looking forward to the season. We are young but feel like we have potential. The girls are working hard in practice and will be competing for spots. Aubrey Warder really started to break through at the end of last season and had a great summer. Sienna looks to build off a great junior season,” said Coach Kasey Sapp

Sapp will be counting heavily on his two seniors, both who return from last season. Sienna McKeever, a 5-9 guard who can also play down under if needed, and Mallory McDiffitt, a 5-8 player who can play all positions. Both of these girls will lead the way for the Blue Eagles and how they perform will determine how well the season goes.

Sapp says both girls play good defense and can get the ball in the basket. Junior Aubrey Warder 5-11 will man the post and will be counted on as well to add points for the team.

Junior guards Gabby Hudson 5-6 (a returnee from 2024 -2) and Jade Slaughter-Carvoo 5-3 will add depth and help get the ball up the floor. Both will be counted on to run the offense and hit the outside shot. Rounding out the team are sophomore Kiera Dowler a 5-3 guard with lots of potential, and four freshmen Karli Warder 5-11 who will b e counted on to provide help on the inside. Freshmen Audri Quinn a 5-10 forward and freshmen guards Bella Sockman 5-6 and Kaylee Yost 5-7 will compete for playing time.

The Blue Eagle will be playing a revamped schedule that includes several new teams. The first game is scheduled for Thursday December 5, at home against Wood County Christian, followed a week later December 12 at Bridgeport, Ohio.

“Sapp said, “We are expecting good things to happen with this group. We’re not sure how the Volleyball situation is playing out and how it will affect us, but we’re going full steam ahead and working to make the best of the situation. We believe the new schedule is to our advantage and we are hoping to get some early wins to build our confidence and move us in the right direction.”