Basketball is back. The Keota and Highland girls’ basketball teams will start up their seasons tonight when they clash for a non-conference showdown.

For the Huskies it is another opportunity to continue their solid tradition, as they are coming off a season where they were fourth in the Southeast Iowa Super Conference north division with a record of 14-8. They will have to fill the void of Kelsey Hora, who graduated as the leading scorer, facilitator, and had the most steals a year ago. Alyson Stokes will look to lead the charge in her junior campaign, as last year she averaged a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds per game. She was also one of the most impactful defenders in the state, racking up the fourth most blocks in all of class 2A with 81. Other Huskies that could do some damage are Abbie Miller averaging nine points and eight rebounds per game last year, and senior Brylee Carolan will look to add to her nine points per game.

For Keota, last season was a year of experience for young players as they finished 0-22. They bring back some bright spots from last year including junior Addison Sprouse. As a sophomore, she led the team in many categories including points with eight per game, rebounds with six per game, assists with 53, steals with 49, and blocks with 16. Addison Swanson will look to help fill the absence of three players lost to graduation. As a freshman, she had three points per game and 20 steals.  

The season gets started at 6 p.m. tonight at Highland High School.