Semoball

Malden girls basketball program hopes returning players pay huge dividends.

Photo by Dustin Ward, staff
Pictured are members of the Malden girls basketball program.

For the first time in recent years Malden Green Wave girls basketball coach Josh Herring feels like his squad is blessed with experience at the start of a season.

“This is one of the first years I feel like we are not rebuilding since I’ve been here,” Herring said. “Coach Chance from Hayti has come in and will serve as my assistant coach this season. We’ve been talking about it and feel like we are strong fundamentally. We’ve just got to get in game mode and get ready to compete.”

Malden has two seniors, four juniors, four sophomores, and four freshmen on its high school roster.

“We are bringing back eight from last season,” Malden coach Josh Herring said. “We’ve also got a good balance in each class."

The seniors on the squad are Madison Saulsbery and Hailey Rojas.

Saulsbery will be a threat to score frequently in the paint.

“She was all-district and all-conference last season,” Herring said. “She’s a very talented player and a good leader for our group. She will be an impact player for this team.”

Rojas is likely to be a perimeter threat for the Green Wave.

“She’s done really well over the years, Herring said. “She played a little bit last season but due to some unfortunate events couldn’t finish the season. But she will be another key player for us.”

Herring believes junior Mallory Perkins, junior Allison Dearman, sophomore Jada Townsend, and sophomore Brydon Maddox are among the other players who will compete for starting spots.

Herring knows depth may be more important than normal this season due to potential COVID-19 quarantines.

“We are going to have to grit it out,” Herring said. “Every school is dealing with the same thing. It’s one of these years you don’t know who you are going to have each night. But everybody available might as well get their jersey on and get ready to play.”

Malden opens its season Nov. 30 when it hosts East Carter County.

“They will be a solid group,” Herring said. “They beat us by 10 or 11 last season. They should be a solid opponent to open the season with.”

Malden Green Wave Girls Basketball Schedule

DateOpponentLocation
11/30East CarterHome
12/1KellyAway
12/3PuxicoAway
12/7HolcombHome
12/9HaytiAway
12/14NMCCAway
12/17CharlestonHome
12/19-23Lady Royals ClassicTwin Rivers
1/4ChaffeeHome
1/5CaruthersvilleHome
1/7KennettAway
1/11Senath-HornersvilleAway
1/14South PemiscotAway
1/19Twin RiversHome
1/21PortagevilleHome
1/25CampbellAway
1/30-2/5Bootheel TournamentTBA
2/8East PrairieHome
2/11AdvanceHome
2/18DoniphanAway
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