GIRLS

Coach: Janson Hightower

22-23 Record: 11-12

The Cardinals will be looking to take another step in 2023-24 after an 11-12 record under head coach Janson Hightower last season. “We return four starters and eight main contributors from last year’s team that won 11 games. After good performances at two team camps and a summer league, the coaching staff is very excited to see what this team can do,” Hightower said. “Our team has a good mix of height, athleticism, and toughness on the defensive end.” Leading the way will be 5-foot-11 senior forward Brie Smith, who averaged a team-high 15.6 points and 6.4 rebounds in her junior year. Smith is a VYPE Top 100 nominee. “Brie has had three very good high school seasons,” Hightower said. “She will most likely be a 1,000-point scorer and is one of the better offensive players I have coached. Brie is also an excellent student and person.” Another impact player is 5-foot-9 junior guard Kate Reid. Like Smith, Reid was a double-figure scorer last season and also averaged a pair of assists and 2.7 rebounds per game. Sophomores Hayden McDowell (5-7, G) and Avery Oder (5-10, F) were other solid contributors for Collinsville last season as freshmen, both averaging 6 points per game. McDowell added 2 assists and 2.7 rebounds, while Oder pulled down just over five rebounds per game. Newcomer Kobie Brader (5-5, G, So.) is coming off a great summer. “Kobie had a great summer for us and is an ultimate competitor,” Hightower said. “She uses her speed to pressure the ball on defense and to push the ball and attack on offense. A good jump shooter that can also finish and great at creating shots for her teammates.” Rae Johnson (5-7, G/F, Sr.), Jennah Christian (5-8, G/F, So.), Anna Appelberg (5-8, F, So.) and Payton Jones (5-3, G, Jr.) will also each factor into Collinsville’s plans.