Bristol Herald Courier | Tim Hayes | Photo Credit: Emily Ball
The Honaker Tigers are the heavy favorites to repeat as Hogoheegee District girls basketball champions during the 2024-25 season and that’s certainly no surprise.
Under the direction of head coach Misty Davis Miller, Honaker has compiled a 107-22 record over the past five seasons with three state titles.
The Tigers swept the Hogoheegee regular season and tourney titles last winter, finished as Region 1D runner-up and advanced to the state semifinals where they dropped a 66-52 decision to eventual VHS Class 1 champ Eastside.
Northwood is not fielding a varsity team this season so that leaves the Hogoheegee District with one less squad.
The following is a look at each of the five girls hoops teams in the league as well as Mountain Empire District member George Wythe:
Honaker Tigers
Coach: Misty Davis Miller
Last season: 24-5
Key returners: Kalli Miller, PG, sr.; Carey Keene, F, jr.; Alayna McNulty, F/C, sr.; Cheyenne Musick, F, jr.
Promising newcomers: Cadence Rose, G, fr.; Dani Whaley, G, fr.; Juliana Farmer, G/F, fr.
Key losses: Kate Jessee; Tailor Nolley; Abby Farmer
Outlook: The trio of senior point guard Kalli Miller, junior forward Carey Keene and senior post player Alayna McNulty will lead the way for the Honaker Tigers and those three also happen to be some of the top players in Region 1D.
Miller is a tenacious defender and nifty ball-handler who averaged seven points, four assists, four steals and three rebounds per game. She shared Hogoheegee District defensive player of the year honors with Rural Retreat’s Annabelle Fiscus.
Keene averaged six points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals per game last season and should experience a major uptick in point production.
Meanwhile, McNulty averaged 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals per game and is a college prospect.
Junior Cheyenne Musick also has varsity experience.
That quartet will be paired with a group of newcomers that includes Juliana Farmer, Dani Whaley, Cadence Rose, Sophie Campbell, and Alivia Keene.
Look for Honaker to be a tough out as usual in the postseason when late-February rolls around.
Coach’s Quote: “I am excited for this season. We will have a great group of girls to work with who are skilled and athletic. If they continue to work hard, play together as a team, and become consistent, I feel we can be very competitive.”
Hogoheegee District Preseason Coaches Poll
(First-place votes in parentheses)
1. Honaker (4);16