The Campbell Camels girls basketball squad enters its 2021-22 campaign hoping the hard work put in during the off-season pays off in a big way.

“We had a pretty big summer,” Campbell coach Laura Foster said. “We only have seven total but we have seven committed girls. They work hard and have as much passion as I do about the game.”

Campbell has three juniors, three sophomores, and one freshman on it high school squad. Six of the seven players received playing time on last season’s varsity squad that finished 10-10.

“We are still young but all of our girls played varsity last year with the exception of the freshman,” Foster said. “So it shouldn’t be a shock to them to go against the level of play they are going to face.”

Juniors on the squad are forward Darcy Broglin, point guard Marie Wheeler, and shooting guard Chloe Matthews.

“This is their third year playing varsity,” Foster said. “We haven’t had a JV team in the past so they’ve all had the opportunity to play varsity the last three years so they should be ready to go this season.”

Sophomores on the squad are forward Katelyn Lynch, guard Mabrey Patrick, and guard Elyssa Schatz.

“Katelyn Lynch didn’t get to play last year because of a hip injury,” Foster said. “We are excited to have her back on the court.

“Mabrey Patrick and Elyssa Schatz are both guards,” Foster continued. “They both played on varsity last year when they were freshman and have worked really hard on their game in the off-season. We are excited to see what they bring to the table.”

The incoming freshman looking to get her feet wet for the Camels is Kamryn Weeks.

“Kamryn has played on the junior high team in the past,” Foster said. “We are excited to add her to the high school group this season.”

Foster hopes her squad can utilize its length to its advantage since Broglin and Mabry are both close to six feet tall..

“Darcy Broglin and Mabry Patrick are big,” Foster said. “We look scary when you see us. I’m excited to have that because there aren’t a lot of teams around here with size.”

Campbell opens its season Nov. 29 at the Al Jackson Classic at Hayti High School. Conference foes Hayti, Senath-Hornersville, Portageville, South Pemiscot, and Caruthersville are also competing in the event.

“It will be like a pre-conference tournament,” Foster said. “Every team in our conference with the exception of Malden and Holcomb is in it so it should allow us to see how we stack up against other conference teams early on. We are just excited to get started and see where we stand.”