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IAC GIRLS BASKETBALL: KELLY SAYS NUMBERS STRONG THROUGHOUT WAVERLY PROGRAM (11 PHOTOS) (2022-11-23)

By TIM BIRNEY
Valley Sports Report
WAVERLY — Just two years removed from playing a season without a junior varsity team, longtime Waverly coach Bob Kelly’s is pleased with his program’s numbers as they prepare for the 2022-23 season.

“The numbers are good,” he said. “We have 10 varsity, and 15 on JV.

“We’re feeling real good about the JV numbers, it’s a real nice change,” added Kelly. “And, it’s a good young group.”

Of course, Kelly is facing a different issue this week — the second week of the preseason.

“Half our team is on a band trip to Disney this week,” he said. “It sets us back, but I’m happy for those that went.

“It’s just a little obstacle we have to overcome.

“They’ll come back Saturday morning just in time for our scrimmage,” added Kelly.

Caprice Haney, who has not played since her freshman season at Sayre, is currently rehabbing from a knee surgery, but is someone to keep an eye on the season if she stays healthy.

“(Caprice) could definitely make an impact for us,” said Kelly.

“Right now, she’s maybe 50 percent, and that’s optimistic,” noted Kelly. “She’s not cleared for contact yet, but hopefully by the first game she will be.”

The Lady Wolverines, who return six players with a ton of experience, will also have a trio of youngsters — 8th-grader Ryleigh Judson, freshman Brilynn Belles, and sophomore Maddy Olmsted — with them full-time this season.

“We brought up a few girls at the end of last year, and they played with us all summer and got some good experience,” said Kelly. “I think everyone of them can step in and help us out.”

Kelly has put together a tough non-league schedule that includes Chenango Forks, Elmira, Horseheads, Hornell, and then Sayre and Towanda / Athens at the Valley Christmas Tournament.

“It’s a pretty good schedule,” said Kelly. “We’re looking to play physical teams, and be battle-tested by the time the postseason rolls around.”

Waverly will host O-M and Susquehanna Valley in scrimmages — O-M Saturday at 10:30, and Sus. Valley Wednesday at 4 p.m.

The Lady Wolverines open the 2022-23 campaign at Chenango Forks Dec. 3.

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IN PHOTO 1: Waverly coach Bob Kelly. … PHOTOS BY TIM BIRNEY.

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