To say it’s been a different off season or even preseason would be a huge understatement.

As the Shelbyville Central Golden Eaglettes prepare for the opening of the season, coach Jen Hicks reflects on the past offseason.

“When we got sent home in March due to COVID, it was hard on everyone, especially our players. Not only did we miss the opportunity to get better, but the girls could not hang out together and do things like that, Hicks said.

“This summer workouts were not ideal. Each player had to have their own ball, but at least we got to do something together as a team.”

The Eaglettes return only two seniors and will feature a freshman class that looks to be promising in the future.

Seniors Kendall Dearing and Kelsey Harden will be called upon to set a positive example and be good leaders as the year goes on.

“Our seniors lead by example and they encourage their teammates and just do the right things.

Dearing returns as the team’s top three-point shooter and has the ability to score off the dribble as well. She is an excellent free throw shooter and look for her to get to the free throw line as often as possible.

“Kendall is a good shooter and Kelsey is one of those kids that if you tell her to go out and do something she’s going to do it,” Hicks said.

“They both have vital roles on this team.”

Junior Jaleigha Harris returns and she will run the point. She is very athletic, quick and fast and her quickness is an asset on defense.

“We expect Jaleigha to help lead us on the court and give us production on both ends of the court,” Hicks said.

Freshman Paige Blackburn looks to land a starting role.

“Paige played on the summer AAU circuit and I think can have an outstanding high school career before she’s done. She is a gym-rat type of kid that is very coachable that loves to compete,” Hicks said.

Another freshman, Aaliyah “Lilly” Brown, is battling for a lot of playtime as well.

“Lilly is just a worker. She like to rebound and she is comfortable playing inside. We’ve just got to continue to build her skills,”

Also look for freshmen Samora “Sammy” Brown and Zoe Reed to continue to improve throughout the season and gain valuable playing minutes for the Eaglettes.

Coach Hicks expects a lot of growing along the way.

“The way I look at it, it’s not how you’re playing right now, it’s how you are playing in February.”

Defending District 8-AAA champion Coffee County is highly favored to retain the district title.