Calissa Jackson Ditser shines as team wins despite missing leading scorer Taylor Saye

In the heart of Speedway, excitement buzzed in the air as the Town Council meeting turned its focus to the much-anticipated basketball matchup between the Speedway Girls Basketball team and the University. The discussion highlighted the strengths and strategies of both teams, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.

The Speedway team, led by their standout players, showcased a promising lineup. Anaya Turley, a 5-foot-2 senior, has been a consistent scorer, averaging around 8 points per game. Alongside her, Sydney Culp, a 5-foot-8 junior, contributes approximately 7.5 points, while Leah Norvell, also a junior at 5-foot-7, adds another 7 points to the scoreboard. The team’s height advantage comes from Mac Feeney, a 5-foot-11 junior, who not only scores but also grabs 7 rebounds per game. Gabby Culp, another junior at 5-foot-8, stands out as the leading point returner, also averaging 8 points and 8 rebounds.

However, the University team faces a challenge as they will be without their leading scorer, Taylor Saye, who averages 15 points per game. Despite this setback, the University boasts a strong roster. Calissa Jackson Ditser, a senior, leads the team in steals, showcasing her defensive prowess with an average of 3.9 steals per game. Mesa Delisle, a 5-foot-9 junior, is a key offensive player, averaging 11 points, while the 6-foot freshman, Battle in Metallic, impresses with 13.7 points and 6 rebounds per game. Haley Clampett, another 6-foot junior, contributes 9 points and 5.5 rebounds, and senior Miley Walton, known as the "glue person" of the team, averages 4.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Coach Smith of Speedway reflected on the team's recent performance, praising the contributions of players like Miley Walton, who played a crucial role in their last victory. Her quiet determination and aggressive play helped ignite the team’s momentum, particularly in the second half of the game.

As the community gears up for this exciting matchup, the anticipation is palpable. The blend of talent, strategy, and determination from both teams promises a captivating game that will surely engage fans and players alike.