Sleepers to Watch – Marshall County
The Cameron Dragons finished runner-up in the OVAC tournament last season and came one regional co-final loss against St. Marys away from reaching the state tournament.
The Dragons lost a couple of seniors but return leading scorer and team leader Lili Neely. Head coach Holly Pettit’s team has a number of talented younger players and is about to receive a boon in a loaded freshman class.
This are about to get really good, really fast in southeastern Marshall County.
A (relatively) quick jaunt up U.S. 250 brings you to Glen Dale and the home of the Class AAA John Marshall Monarchs.
The Monarchs looked good in sports last season, flirting with the .500 mark in what would was a down year, record-wise, for JM.
But JM traditionally has a strong program and head coach Brock Melko will have the Brown & Gold back in prime condition this season.
The Monarchs also lost three seniors. But like their county neighbors, JM returns its leading scorers.
Here’s a few young ladies who should shine when the spotlight turns its electric gaze their direction this winter.
Catherine Hunnell, 2022, John Marshall
Hunnell’s talents grew exponentially from her freshman to sophomore season in which she led the Monarchs in scoring with 11.4 points per game. That figure should increase as should Hunnell’s leadership responsibilities. With the ball, Hunnell is a dangerous perimeter threat with an ultra-quick release. She’s also capable of attacking the basket and isn’t afraid of contact. On defense, Hunnell is a tough defender, able to guard as well as box out taller, physical offensive players.
Landyn Helms, 2022, John Marshall
Helms saw quality minutes off the bench as a sophomore but took advantage when she hits the floor. Playing with a high motor, Helms only averaged six points per game but had multiple 20-plus point efforts. She’ll step into the point-guard role this season, working to get Hunnell and 2021 sharpshooter Laken Groves open looks. Solid rebounder for her size and a tough on-ball defender, it was common for Helms to draw the opposition’s top offensive threat in man defense.
Aubre Loy, 2023, Cameron
Loy displayed a tenacity as a freshman whenever she took the floor. Able to drive and finish against contact against much taller defenders, Loy can also cause problems from mid-range and the perimeter. She possesses solid handles and should help form a quality backcourt, freeing up Neely to shoot or attack defenses from the wing. Her quickness is also an asset on defense. Shot 65 percent at the line and averaged five rebounds per game despite it not being her primary role.
Kenzie Clutter, 2024, Cameron
An Incoming freshman with top-notch handles should move to the point position right away and give the Dragons multiple guards with great handling capabilities. Pushes tempo well in transition and distributes well on the move. Deadly from the perimeter and can work from the dribble to attack the basket. One of a number of talented freshmen joining the Cameron roster, Clutter still sticks out from the crowd. Her acclimation to the varsity game will be instrumental in the Dragons making a run to Charleston. Given the high praise from multiple area coaches, calling her the top freshman point guard in the Upper Ohio Valley, that shouldn’t be a problem.