Fort Gay, W. Va. — It’s finally basketball season in West Virginia and the Tolsia Girls Basketball team is ready to get going.
2021 Tolsia Girls Basketball Roster
#1 Freshman Sara Sturgell
#4 Senior Isabella Simpkins
#5 Senior Selena Browning
#10 Senior Kenzie Young
#11 Junior Gracy Hodge
#12 Sophomore Julie Young
#15 Senior Julie Boone
#20 Senior Jace Litton
#22 Senior Kylea Pollinger
#23 Sophomore Autumn Block
#24 Freshman Aria Maynard
#31 Sophomore Destiny Pilkins
#33 Sophomore Kerigan Salmons
Head Coach Ric Morrone
Assistant Coaches Jennifer Jude, Ernie Richardson and BoBo Salmons
2021 Tolsia Seniors
L to R Selena Browning, Jace Litton, Julie Boone, Isabella Simpkins, Kylea Pollinger, Kenzie Young
Head Coach Roc Morrone will be coaching in his 28th season and has compiled an impressive 418 wins over his career and he is excited as ever to get this season started.
The Rebels who are ranked #6 in the AP preseason poll but will be in the toughest region in Class A with Gilmer Co. Calhoun Co. and Tug Valley all slotted ahead of them in the preseason poll.
2021 Tolsia Junior and Sophomores
L to R Julie Young, Autumn Block, Junior Gracy Hodge, Kerigan Salmons, Destiny Pilkins
Tolsia won 13 games last season and fell in the section semifinals to Tug Valley on February 24th at Hurricane.
Returning for the Rebels this season will be a ton of experience with six Seniors beginning with Julie Boone who has committed to West Virginia Tech, the other six seniors are Selena Browning, Kylea Pollinger, Jace Litton, Isabella Simpkins and Kenzie Young. All will see significant minutes this season and all bring something different to the floor when they are out there.
Sophomores Autumn Block and Kerigan Salmons will also play a bunch this season. Block started a lot last season and will see time running point guard. Salmons is a sharp shooter who has really improved her game and should make a big jump this year.
Junior Gracy Hodge, Sophomores Destiny Pilkins and Julie Young could provide some depth and Freshman Sara Sturgell and Aria Maynard may see some time as well.
2021 Tolsia Freshman
Sara Sturgell and Aria Maynard
2021 Girls Schedule
March 4th at Rose Hill ( Ky )
March 5th vs Spring Valley
March 9th at Phelps ( Ky )
March 13th at Greenup Co. ( Ky )
March 17th at Wayne
March 19th at St. Joe
March 27th at Mingo Central
March 29th vs Grace Christian
March 30th at Buffalo
April 1st at Grace Christian
April 3rd vs Wayne
April 5th at Van
April 6th at Riverview
April 7th vs Mingo Central
April 8th vs St. Joe
Sectionals April 12-17
Region 4 Finals April 21st
State tournament April 27 to May 1st
Tolsia Head Coach Ric Morrone
COACH’S COMMENTS
“… It’s been hard on the kids because they have been forced to do stuff they have never done in their lives. I could have never imagined when we left Hurricane last year that it would be a full calendar year before we would play again. They are a resilient bunch of kids that’s for sure. The starts and restarts have been tough. I have four that play volleyball and two cheerleaders that been on a roller coaster since last year. Hopefully we can have a enjoyable season whatever that consist of. The energy and enthusiasm has been tremendous so far. We started in November and got four practices in before we were shut down once again. I told the girls it’s been a long time since the Orange and Blue has took the floor so treasure every moment you have together.”
“… I’m excited for the kids to get going, it’s hard to get an old guy like me excited but I’m ready to get going as well. The girls have been great through the whole process, when we were shutdown we tried to communicate the best we could with all of them. I do know a lot of them have been working on their own and doing what they can with work outs and such but their is nothing like being together with each other.”
“… We as a whole have had a tough year but I told the ladies their is more important things then basketball and those are lord and savior and church is number one, family is second, school is third and basketball is fourth, but while you’re out their it needs to be the focus. This off season I have had kids that have lost loved ones, family’s have been damaged, they have been through a ton so when we are together we are going to make the best of it.”
“… We have six seniors returning and most of them have been with us for four years. I know they are excited to get going and are motivated to have the best year yet. We won 13 games last year and made it to the semifinals of a tough section. Our schedule is challenging as always and our Region is brutal with four of the top 6 in the AP poll in it. Gilmer Co. Calhoun Co. and Tug Valley are very good. St. Joe and Parkersburg Catholic moved up in the new four class system but it’s still gonna be challenging for us. I know the kids are excited with the changes and are ready to get started.”
“… We have a bunch of mature kids that have been around for a a while and with a condensed season and not much time to practice or prepare so I’m glad to have older kids that are experienced and seasoned. Our regular season will be 18 practices only different is the other team will be wearing another color.”
“… Make sure the fans stay tuned to our website because all home games will be streamed live on Glenhayes entertainment because of limited seating this season. Lot of people won’t be able to come out but they can still season some great basketball. The schedule is a beast. Boys and Girls play an exciting brand of basketball and our Cheerleaders are preparing for state competition as we speak. We are so proud of each one. We appreciate what you do for all of our programs here at Tolsia high school. Coach Jude told the girls don’t know how many we are going to get in so make the best of each one.”
Tolsia Senior Julie Boone
SENIOR COMMENTS
“… After being off for so long it’s really exciting to be able to be back with my second family, I love my team and i’m beyond excited to finally be able to take the court with them again.”
“… The four years have went by way to fast if you ask me, I will for sure miss it! I’ll never forget all the amazing memories I have made with all these amazing people!”
“… Win state!”
Tolsia Senior Kylea Pollinger
“… I’m very excited for season to start. I look forward to basketball season every year. We’ve got great community support, group of girls, and coaching staff.”
“… I think our goal for the team this year is to just make the most of the time we have this season. I’ve already had my volleyball season cut short this year and it made me realize how important it is to play every game like it’s your last. Even if it’s just a week of games I’m going to play every one of them like it’s my last. I know the team feels the same way. I think we have a great group of girls who can really make it happen this season and I just can’t wait to get started!”
Tolsia Senior Selena Browning
“… I am very excited to be back out on the court and with my teammates after being out for so long. I’m very proud of this team that we have this year as well, everyone is working so hard to get back in the swing of things.”
“… These past four years have literally went by so fast, it feels like yesterday I was having my first ever high school practice and now i am nearly at the end of it. If I could I would definitely start back at the beginning, and do it all over again.”
“… Our team goal is to win state, and most people might doubt us, but I’m excited for this group we have this year. All the girls are supportive, hustles, and you can tell everyone puts their heart into it. As a senior and a captain, I am very confident that we are going to surprise a bunch of people.”
Tolsia Senior Jace Litton
“… Super excited! I’ve been very eager to get back in the gym these past few months.”
“… These four years have went by super fast, especially since my class hasn’t had a full year of school with the teacher strikes and the pandemic.”
“… My main goal for the team this year is to win state of course, but I want everyone to have fun given our circumstances. We have a great group of girls this year and I can’t wait to play my last season with them!”
Tolsia Senior Isabella Simpkins
“… It’s been over a year since we were able to play. I definitely couldn’t wait to get back out onto the court. I’m very excited to see how my final season will turn out. It feels like I just blinked and fours years went by. I’ve had a short basketball experience due to injuries and I would give anything to go back and be able to play more.”
“… My goals for the team is obviously state. But we have to play every game like it could be our last. We need to give it all we got and make sure that we improved the lady rebel program when we leave.”
Tolsia Senior Kenzie Young
“… After that long time off I am very excited to come back and finish my senior year with amazing team mates.”
“… These four years have flew by and it’s sad when I set and think… it feels like yesterday I had just come up here my freshman year. “
“… My goals for the team this year is to stick together no matter what the out come is. We are gonna do our best and make it to state!!”