The Richmond Hill High School Lady Wildcats basketball team has already been working to refresh their program this summer after losing three of their five starters to graduation. 

Seniors Mmekom Inyang, who was the back to back Region 7A and 6A Defensive Player of the Year, Jada Brown and Ariyana Canady all graduated in May, which means that rising seniors Emari Young and Cullen McCormick will step into those leadership roles this year. 

“Reflecting on the start of our season, which was during summer ball, it’s true that our initial games were a bit bumpy as we all adjusted to each other’s playing styles,” Brown said. “The returners, myself included, had to tweak our approach, recognizing that last year’s game speed wouldn’t cut it with our current lineup, but we got it figured out and things started meshing.” 

While McCormick and Brown were the only anticipated returning seniors, the program got a boost from a former player in Zion Bernard, who will rejoin the program after not playing in her junior year. 

“The return of Zion to the lineup was a game-changer, especially with the loss of three key players,” Brown said. “Her rebounding and blocks are invaluable to us.” 

Despite the return of the two senior starters alongside the addition of Bernard, the Lady Wildcats are still a very young team. Most of the athletes that will return did not see the floor very often last year.  

“Looking ahead, everyone needs to elevate their game,” Brown said. “If we want to achieve our ultimate goal of winning, we have to put in the work.”

However, Brown feels good about the direction of the program and what was shown so far in the summer. 

“I’m optimistic because the team has great chemistry,” Brown said. “If we can maintain that, we’ll see continuous improvement. As long as we dedicate ourselves in and out of practice, I believe we can become one of the best teams in our region again this year.”