In Hilma Crawford’s second season as head coach, the Falcons finished 7-15 overall and 2-8 in the American Division. Massie started 1-5 and finished 1-7. In between they were 5-3.

Finding a way to get a few of those early and late losses turned in to wins will be key for the Falcons this season.

“Our team and individual goals are to keep getting better each day and each week as the season go on and success will take care of itself,” said Crawford, who graduated from Blanchester High School.

There was just one 2022 CMHS graduate on the team last year, Ashley Doyle (3.5 points, 6.4 rebounds). So the team was young last year but now has experience going forward.

“We should have a strong bench,” Crawford said. “I really love the competitiveness. The girls are pushing each other hard in practice each night; they are getting better.”

Crawford will be assisted this year by Brian Conley (varsity assistant), Mike Redman (reserve coach), Brianna Machado (8th grade), Joe Robinette (7th grade) and McKenzie Avery (volunteer).

Among the seven returning players, Hannah Bowman (12.2 points, 7.6 rebounds. 2.5 steals) was first team All-SBAAC last season. Maddie Phipps (7.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 75 percent FTs) leads a solid group of returning players. Crawford said freshman Rylee Long is a newcomer to keep an eye on this season. There are four returning starters for the Falcons.

Phipps, McKenna Branham and Aidan Eades, along with Bowman, a junior, are providing strong leadership for the Falcons.

“These girls have worked hard in the off-season,” said Crawford. “We really have good basketball IQ. If we continue to work hard in practice to make each other better, believe in the system and each other, and simply do the little things to win basketball games, we can be successful.”

Crawford said his team must improve it’s free throw shooting. The team made 50 percent of its free throws last season.