Fort Gay, W. Va. — Going into his 31st year as the Tolsia girls coach Ric Morrone is aiming for another trip to the state tournament in Charleston.
2023-24 Tolsia Rebels
L to R standing Olivia Kelly, Kilee Preece, Raelyn Pack, Megan Clayton, Ric Morrone, Jaycee Crum, Gracie Marcum, Abby Messer, Bri Crabtree
L to R sitting Jennifer Jude, Sydnee Parsley, McKenzie Cassell, Sara Sturgell, Emily Artrip, Amber Stevens, Aaron Fletcher
Tolsia went 17-9 last season and won a section title over Tug Valley and a region championship over Huntington St. Joe before falling to state runner-up Tucker Co. in the first round of the Class A state tournament.
Head Coach Ric Morrone is 454 and 252 in his 30 years as head coach of the Lady Rebels.
The Rebels lost some key players off of last year’s team including four year players Kerigan Salmons who is playing at Alice Lloyd College, a jack of all trades in Autumn Block and steady Julie Young.
2023-24 Senior and Juniors
Sydnee Parsley, Emily Artrip, Senior Sara Sturgell, McKenzie Cassell, Amber Stevens
Tolsia returns two starters in Junior guard Emily Artrip and Amber Stevens who will play in the post along with Sophomores Kilee Preece and Jaycee Crum who provided some valuable minutes off the bench.
Senior Sara Sturgell has been a pleasant surprise early in camp and has a shot to be the fifth starter. Sophomore Megan Clayton, Junior McKenzie Cassell and Freshman Olivia Kelly have the possibility to provide some depth off the bench. Freshman Gracie Marcum is injured and her status for the season is still unknown.
2023-24 Sophomores
Raelyn Pack, Abby Messer, Jaycee Crum, Megan Clayton, Kilee Preece. Not pictured Kaylee Gilkerson and Jaylynn Copley
Tolsia will open up the season this Saturday afternoon at Rebel Arena versus Coal Grove ( OH ) before traveling to Lincoln Co. on Tuesday night.
Head Coach Ric Morrone is 454 and 252 in his 30 years as head coach of the Lady Rebels.
2023-24 Freshmen
Gracie Marcum, Olivia Crum, Bri Crabtree
Tolsia Head Coach Ric Morrone
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… First time we had been to the state tournament in several years and for the girls that are returning this season. That was huge for them to get the opportunity and gain experience from that. They got that in the memory bank during off season workouts. We are excited about the club that we have this year. We got one Senior in Sara Sturgell who has stuck with it for fours years and is becoming a leader. We are excited to get started but it’s going to be a work in progress. We lost some firepower in Kerigan Salmons, Autumn Block and Julie Young. But we will keep moving forward and do the best that we can.”
“… We still have a lot of work to do but I think we seen some growth from the first scrimmage to the second scrimmage and if we can continue to do that each time out we should be ok. The schedule is tough just like every year but a prime example of playing good teams early was last year because we took some lumps early but rounded into form and a bunch of games in a row last year. We play in three different states, play a mixture of single A, double A and triple A teams. We will have some ups and downs but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger right? “
“… We got good kids and we got good numbers this year. Different kids with different skill levels. They are working hard and we could be a dark horse team late in the year. We will be able to play JV games this year and that is how this program was built. We have some kids that haven’t played much basketball but the are learning and working everyday.”
“… You can’t measure or Coach the experience that the returnees like Emily Artrip, Amber Stevens, Kilee Preece and Jaycee Crum got in the postseason last season. Playing in front of huge crowds like we did against Tug Valley, Huntington St. Joe and then playing in the Charleston Civic Center is invaluable for those ladies. Playing in front of packed houses and unbelievable atmospheres are something that you can’t teach. And if you’re playing in those type games you’re doing something right. We are excited to get started against Coal Grove on Saturday December 2nd.”
