After their first ever playoff appearance last season the Lady Indians are trending up in 2020. With an overall record of 14-9 and 2-2 in district play, Port Neches-Groves moves into a tricky district matchup at home Friday night versus a down Vidor squad 0-11 (0-2).
Led by returning all-district seniors Mollee Priddy and Maylin Stampley, head coach Kara Skinner has high expectations for this years team.
"We're looking to definitely finish in the top two of district this season, getting back into the playoffs, that's definitely the expectation to get back there again," said Skinner, into her second season as PNG head coach.
After a disappointing loss to Dayton 61-58 to open district play, the Lady Indians rebounded with back-to-back wins over cross then rival Nederland (58-44) and Port Arthur Memorial (58-53).
The Lady Indians were heavily tested Tuesday night with their second district loss to defending champion Barbers Hill (73-49)
"The Dayton loss was disappointing," said Skinner, "That was a game we felt we should have won. We missed 12 free throws and didn't finish on some short shots that we would routinely make but our kids are confident, we'll be ready."
The Lady Indians entered this season with a new swagger as newly minted post season veterans. After losing six seniors to graduation, Skinner has a new core of players to complement Priddy and Stampley.
"The younger players have seen the changes within the program and their determination has really been a game changer for our program and that's from the freshman (team) all the way up to varsity."
Players stepping into new varsity roles this year are Britney Brevell (Sr.), Paxton Shults (Jr.), Amonti Edwards (Fr.) and junior varsity call up Morgan Lavere.
"We're looking to get more players involved offensively that will help us with the playoff run."
PNG will have a week off after Vidor and will host Dayton January 24 for a redemption game from their early season loss to the Lady Broncos.
To listen to the podcast interview with PNG head coach Kara Skinner click on the "play" button below this article.