Purcell returns four starters off last year’s squad and will welcome the return of Kora Keith back from a season ending injury a year ago.
Coach David Sikes begins his third season at the helm of the Dragons. He has also previously been a head coach at Mill Creek and Lexington and is 90-129 overall.
Jacie Carr was the sole senior on last year’s team that went 3-20.
Returning starters include Alicia Baker, Chelsea Spain, Emily Madden and Sandra Del Toro.
“With Keith coming back from injury it should take some pressure off of Baker on the scoring side of things,” Sikes reported.
The veteran coach is looking for Madden and some of his younger squad members to grow and help the Dragon cause in 2019-2020.
“The strength of our team is our transition offense and our defense out of the back court with Baker and Spain,” Sikes said.
Sikes said his club needs to improve on rebounding and the tempo of play.
“Overall, we have a very positive and exciting team,” Sikes said. “We had a tough team last year that played one of the toughest schedules in 3A.
“I am excited to have Kora back,” he continued. “I’m hoping our pace of play and ball movement will open things up a little.
“Emily Madden and Anoli Billy will need to be ready to shoot and help open up the floor. Defensively, Chelsea Spain will have to continue her tradition of frustrating the opposing team’s best player every night,” Sikes said.
He is counting on the leadership of Del Toro.
“Her leadership will help the growth of our young players,” Sikes said. “We have seen a lot of growth in our sophomore and freshman classes in the pre-season.”
Purcell tipped off the season last Tuesday night hosting the Washington Warriors.
The Dragons will host Davis December 10 and play in the Latta Tournament December 12-14.
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