Women’s Basketball 2024/25 Season Preview
MCKENZIE, Tenn. - The Bethel Lady Wildcats are geared up for what promises to be an exciting season. Following a disappointing conference season that was plagued with injuries, the Lady Cats are holding their heads high as they prepare to take the court again with high expectations. The outlook remains bright as they gear up for another challenging season in the Mid-South Conference.
Among the returning talents are starters Kalynn Howard, Kylie Reynolds, and Madison Hart. Hart was named to the MSC All-Conference Team last year. Hart, entering her junior year, aims to build on her 14.9 ppg and 6.3 rebound career average. Floor General Kalynn Howard was having her best season yet with 8.9 ppg and 5.7 rebounds before suffering a season ending injury right before conference play. Reynolds had a stellar freshman year averaging 8.1 ppg while starting in 26 games. Senior leader Kyla Tayor and sophomore forward MJ Simmons played significant roles and will add in experience with six newcomers adding to the roster. Lauren Bryant and Lauren Nichols both saw time as the season went on to look more comfortable in their respected roles. Sophomore guard Karmen Frost and senior veteran Brooklyn Williams could be counted on at any time.
To bolster the squad, Bethel signed seven freshman adding point guard Hallie Turner from Briarcrest. This acquisition is particular significant as the team lacked point guard play and depth last season with Howard being out. Joining her in the backcourt, Micah Hart – (Gibson County HS) led her team to a state championship while earning Miss Basketball honors and breaking the school scoring total finishing with 2,404 points. Another big addition, Mikee Buchanan- (McCracken County HS) is coming off back -to -back KHSAA state runner ups and being 3rd all-time leader in points, assists and rebounds .Her versatility to create her own shot , hit the three and play the trail four will be valuable right away. In addition to Buchanan, Bethel brought in four more freshman Kylee Alexander (Martin Westview HS), Allison Spieker (Whitefield Academy) and Ambria Ferkany (Providence Christian Academy), Mikaela Reynolds (McKenzie HS). Alexander helped her team to two TSSAA State Championships while earning All District, Region, and All State recognition. Spieker was #1 in the state of Kentucky in three pointers made her senior season. Ferkany earned all-district and all tournament awards and will be asked to add depth to the forward position. Reynolds, who is coming off ACL surgery, was also a two-time state champion and boasted numerous district, region, and state awards. The entire roster should be filled with top end talent and quality bench options.
Coach Chris Nelson said, "I know injuries played a role in the second half of the year last season, but we are very intent on not allowing it to be back-to-back disappointing seasons. We took a serious approach at not only adding talent, but much needed depth for the long haul. This group has far more offensive power on the wings which should open things up for our post. Where we lack experience, we feel like we make up for it in high character basketball players that have a good IQ of the game."