Experienced lineup to return for PHS Lady Bulldogs Basketball team

Members of the Portageville High School Lady Bulldogs Basketball team are front, from left, freshmen DeAvion Caldwell, Arianna West and Deondra Johnson; second row, from left, sophomores Makeisha Taylor, Mya Blacksure and Adrienne Duncan; third row, juniors Tellash Luster, Jacana Madison, Briania Pitts and Madison Palmer; back row, seniors Aaliyah Blacksure, Jelisha Minnis, Teonna Ray, Jill Kellams, Marua Kellams and Sasha Starnes.

The Portageville High School (PHS) Lady Bulldogs Basketball team will have six seniors returning from last year. "I expect improvement from our girls this year," said Head Coach, Kellye Penn Fowler. "We have six seniors and four juniors, to go along with a sophomore, Adrienne Duncan, who started some as a freshman last season." The returning senior players that saw a lot of game time last year are Sasha Starnes, Jill Kellams, Mya Blacksure, Jelisha Minnis, Aalyiah Blacksure, Maura Kellams and Teonna Ray.

Fowler is no stranger to PHS Girls' Basketball. This is her second year as head coach. She is, herself, a graduate of Portageville High School and led her basketball teams to several victories.

She worked as an assistant coach in Kennett, prior to returning to Portageville.

"I also added a good group of younger girls who could help us this season, if they continue to work hard. The girls are also much more comfortable with my system as a coach. They know what I expect from them and are working hard in practice, every day, to improve," said Fowler.

She said she expects to see plenty of quickness from her guards, and plans to play in an up-tempo style.

"I am very proud of the way the girls have been practicing. We work hard and will continue to do so. I am looking forward to another season together" said Fowler.

The team's record last year was 4-14. Their goal this year is to place well within the Bootheel Conference.

The PHS Lady Bulldogs begin their season in the Gideon Invitational Tournament, Dec. 1-6. Their first home game is set for Monday, Dec. 8, hosting Twin Rivers High School.