The entire Jayette hoops program, from grades 7-12, were introduced to the public Friday at a first-of-its-kind event in Perry.
Beginning with the youngest squad, each hoopster was announced and ran into the varsity gym. After all teams had been introduced, new head coach Chris Morrow briefly addressed the crowd, noting the school would be playing a full middle school, freshman and junior varsity schedule for the first time in several seasons.
Morrow noted that the late date of his hiring meant he had not had valuable time over the summer with the returning players, but said he hoped the transition to a new coach and new system had started well, and would simply take some time before the players settled into their new regimen.
The Jayette varsity showed off several of their practice drills before holding a 3-point shooting and spot shooting contest. Jo Diw edged Molly Lutmer in the former, with Grace Stewart claiming the latter.
A motivational video was shown, with players, parents and the public invited to the PHS Commons for a freewill chili supper. Players posed for numerous photos and autographed some items.
The varsity sported their new warm-up tops, with Morrow noting a series of fundraisers had brought in nearly $2,500 so far. While the school had purchased the new warm-ups, the team was on their own in buying new Adidas traveling suits for themselves. The new suits are due to arrive in the next few days.
The Perry varsity will play GMG at the North Polk Jamboree Tuesday before opening their season with a junior varsity/varsity home date against Des Moines North Friday, beginning at 6 p.m.
