Girls basketball preview: Weeki Wachee — Nov. 14

Weeki Wachee

At a glance

Coach: Billy Hughes

Class: 4A, District 9

Last season: 20-8

Key players: G Paige Atwater, Jr.; F Linsey Orr, Jr.; G Gabby Scott, Jr.

Schedule 

Tonight vs. Hudson, 7:30

Wednesday vs. Cypress Creek, 7:30

Friday at Lecanto, 7:30

Nov. 29 vs. Citrus, 7:30

Dec. 1 vs. Dunnellon, 7

Dec. 2 at Nature Coast, 6:30

Dec. 6 at Crystal River, 7:30

Dec. 7 vs. Pasco, 7:30

Dec. 9 vs. Springstead, 7:30

Dec. 10 at Central, 3:30

Dec. 13 at Hernando, 7:30

Dec. 14 at Citrus, 7:30

Jan. 6 at Cypress Creek, 6

Jan. 10 vs. Crystal River, 7:30

Jan. 12 at Springstead, 6

Jan. 13 at Hudson, 7:30

Jan. 17 vs. Lecanto, 7:30

Jan. 19 at Pasco, 7:30

Jan. 20 vs. Central, 7:30

Jan. 24 vs. Hernando, 6:30

Jan. 24 vs. Nature Coast, 6:30

Outlook

Coach Billy Hughes, now in his third year, will look to the experience of three varsity returnees, juniors Paige Atwater, Linsey Orr, and Gabby Scott, to lead the way for the young Lady Hornets. 

In her sophomore season as a starter, Atwater averaged 12.2 points per game, good for fourth in the district, and led the team in scoring in 13 games, a team high. 

Her 70 three-pointers made were top in the district. She was selected First Team All-Conference in Gulf Coast 8, Hernando Sun All-County Girls Basketball Team, and All-Tournament Team for the district. Atwater put in extra work over the summer in hopes of leading the team to consecutive district titles.

Orr, as a sophomore starter, averaged 6.4 rebounds a game last season, which was third in the district, and once had 17 rebounds in a game against Hernando. She averaged 5.1 points per game. That average could increase after the loss of key seniors. Orr’s muscle and skill set will be a key piece to the Lady Hornets success this season.

Scott was first off of the bench last season as a sophomore, and her minutes increased every game because of her toughness and fearless play. For her size, 3.3 rebounds per game last season in limited minutes was really impressive. Even though Scott is known for her relentless hustle and grit, she has improved her shooting over the summer and will be a major contributor toward another run for the district title.

Senior newcomer, Ashlynn Wertin, has been a nice surprise. She has fit right in during the preseason, showing she can rebound and score underneath. Wertin also is an exceptional passer for her size.