ffingham girls basketball team isn’t lacking for experience. This year’s squad features a senior-laden group in Mallori Jenkins, Kiera Nesmith, Graysen Gale, Jillian Pelote and Maleece Newbill.

After posting a 9-22 record a year ago, the Lady Mustangs are hopeful that their seniors, along with the play of several other skilled athletes, will lead to improvement

Cianna Trenary, Melanie Zeigler, Destinee Owens, Madison Coleman, Mary Taylor and Kiyah Hill all saw varsity playing time last year and will be called upon to contribute at an even greater level this year. 

South Effingham challenged Jenkins in a Nov. 6 scrimmage, losing 59-45. The Lady Mustangs outscored the Warriors in the second and fourth quarters but their four-point total in the first quarter made the difference. 

The Lady Mustangs will have plenty of time to clean up their mistakes before Region 2-AAAAA play opens as they will take on good competition against teams such as Long County and Beaufort.

“Our region is very competitive when it comes to girls basketball,” South Effingham coach Jenifer Hall said. “We are definitely working on polishing up our game before we start our region schedule in January and, of course, everybody looks forward to playing Effingham (County) for bragging rights.”

Hall is in her second season.

“I’m excited about this season because of the depth of experienced players we will have on the court this year,” Hall said. “It is always beneficial to have a team with an established rapport and an understanding of each other’s talents.”

Hall is enjoying the strides the team has made since last season.

“I am very excited about this upcoming year,” she said. “The girls have made such tremendous improvements with their fundamental basketball skills and with the mental aspect of the game.”