Edgewood’s girls’ basketball team has been on a steady climb under eighth-year head coach Randy Vencill, and last winter’s 16–7 campaign proved the Warriors have the pieces to keep trending upward.
With three starters and six other varsity returners back, Edgewood brings depth, versatility, and a healthy mix of veteran poise and rising talent into the new season. Even with some inexperience sprinkled throughout the roster, this group has the feel of a team ready to chase something big.
“I feel like we have good balance again this year,” Vencill said. “We have multiple threats on offense, which makes it hard to focus on one player. The girls are coming together, and we hope to compete in every game this season.”
The Warriors’ identity begins on the defensive end, where energy, toughness, and unselfishness fuel everything they do. That connected style of play will be vital as they break in new contributors around their returning core.
“I think our strength will be our defense and our team’s unselfish mentality,” Vencill said. “I feel like the girls all work together to win games and no one puts themself above the team.”
Still, youth means there will be some bumps along the way, though Vencill believes the veterans will help guide the transition.
“I would just say inexperience,” he said when asked about his team’s shortcomings. “We have a lot of talent but not a ton of on-court experience, so I’m sure there will be some growing pains. The experienced girls will help this process, though.”
At the heart of the lineup is junior guard Carly Kray, a do-everything scorer and rebounder who already ranks among the area’s elite. Her motor, leadership, and commitment to improvement make her the kind of player who elevates everyone around her.
“Carly is one of the best players in our area,” Vencill said. “She has taken a leadership role and knows the expectations of the coaching staff, and has led by example. She is a hard worker and looks to improve every time she hits the court. Looking for big things from her this year.”
Senior point guard Annie Johnston gives Edgewood a dynamic playmaker who controls the pace and sees the floor better than most. With her blend of scoring, distributing, and defense, she’ll be the pulse of the Warriors’ attack.
“Annie is our team leader and is one of the best players in our area,” Vencill said. “Her court awareness and vision set her apart from most players. She can score the ball, dish the ball, and defend the ball, and we can’t wait to see what her senior year has in store.”
Forward Faith Vencill adds another dimension with her length, athleticism, and versatility. She can hurt teams inside or out, and her ability to create mismatches will be a major advantage all season.
“Faith has unmatched athleticism on the court,” Coach Vencill said. “She has freakish athletic ability and excels in whatever she puts her mind to. We look for her to be a presence inside and outside this season and be a tough matchup for other teams.”
Sophomore guard Whitney Reed steps into a larger role as a defensive stopper whose energy sparks big stretches of play.
“Whitney is a lockdown defender and has great anticipation and court awareness,” Coach Vencill said. “She gives 110 percent whenever she is on the floor, and she has been a tremendous addition to our lineup this season.”
Senior forward Heaven Rivera brings toughness, work ethic, and an interior presence that complements Edgewood’s more explosive scorers.
“Heaven is one of the most improved and hardest workers we have on the team,” Vencill said. “She has a team-first mentality and is always willing to do whatever it takes for her team to win. We expect her to be an inside presence this season and do all the little things to help our team.”
The Warriors’ supporting cast is deep and full of upside. Sophomore forward Carly Tracy provides strength in the paint and a willingness to handle the gritty jobs that win games.
“Carly has tons of athletic ability and has really come into her own this season,” Vencill said. “We expect her to have a big impact in the paint this season, scoring and defending. She does all the dirty work that is needed from an inside player and can’t wait to watch her growth continue.”
Freshman guard Haylee Rhodes is instant spark-plug energy—an aggressive scorer and defender who can change momentum the moment she checks in.
“Haylee has a motor that doesn’t stop,” Vencill said. “She is instant energy when she hits the court and gives us a pick-me-up when the team needs it. She is a great scorer and defender, and we expect big things from her this season.”
Junior forward Ava Tiscenko is the coach-on-the-floor type who anchors the defense and plays with purpose.
“Ava is like having a coach on the floor,” Vencill said. “She knows the coaches’ expectations and is our eyes and ears on the court. She is a presence inside on defense and always gives 110 percent.”
Senior guard Emma Warner brings speed, athleticism, and feisty perimeter defense.
“Emma is an Energizer bunny when she hits the court,” Vencill said. “She is very athletic and quick. She is a lockdown defender, and we will expect her to play tough defense all season and contribute on the offensive end too.”
Senior guard Empriss Hull adds savvy ballhandling and the kind of reliability every team needs off the bench.
“Empriss is a very savvy player who handles the ball well and does whatever is needed for her team,” Vencill said. “She has a team-first mentality and does whatever the team needs.”
Junior guard Myla Vencill provides shooting and scoring punch, along with all-around energy.
“Myla is a high-energy player and has a great shot,” Coach Vencill said. “She is a great scorer and will help us tremendously on the offensive and defensive ends of the court.”
Freshman forward Antoria Taylor brings length and athleticism that should immediately impact rebounding, defense, and scoring.
“Antoria is a very athletic and talented young player,” Vencill said. “She is great on both ends of the court. She is very long, which makes her tough on the defensive end of the court. We expect her to help control the boards and score the ball this season.”
Looking ahead, the Warriors have clear ambitions—compete for a conference championship and play deep into the postseason—and the formula for getting there remains unchanged.
“(Our) team goals are to compete for a conference title and make a deep run into the playoffs,” Vencill said. “Defense is always a focus, and taking care of the ball; giving maximum effort in all facets of the game.”
With depth, balance, and a fierce defensive identity, Edgewood enters the season poised to make noise—perhaps more than ever before.
