For all the changes year in and year out, there’s been one constant on the Ellison girls basketball sideline since the 2006-2007 season –– head coach Sherry McKinnon.
Eventually, though, all good things must end, and McKinnon’s 18th year at the helm will be her final in charge of the Lady Eagles.
McKinnon, who is 10 wins shy of 400 in her career at Ellison during which the Lady Eagles won eight district championships and made 14 playoff appearances –– including one regional tournament –– announced during the summer that she will retire at the end of 2024-2025.
But, until then, McKinnon, the 2011 Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Class 5A Coach of the Year, will aim to lead the Lady Eagles into district title contention and back into the playoffs.
Those will be goals on the list in each Killeen ISD varsity program when the season tips off Friday night. And recent history suggests that there is no cap on the potential in KISD this season.
In 2022-2023, all five made the playoffs. Last season, four qualified with two winning at least one postseason game and one advancing to the regional tournament. So, it’s safe, and, perhaps, wise, to expect much of the same in 2024-2025.
Chaparral, which enters the season ranked No. 11 in the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches top 25 preseason rankings after winning a district title and advancing to the regional semifinals a year ago, opens with a road game against Leander Glenn.
Also on the road Friday is Killeen, which travels to Waco. Meanwhile, Ellison, Harker Heights and Shoemaker press go with home games. The Lady Eagles host Waco Midway, the Lady Knights welcome Buda Hays and the Lady Grey Wolves have Lake Belton in town.
Shoemaker and Killeen moved up a classification and joined Harker Heights in District 12-6A, along with Temple, Copperas Cove, Bryan and Waco Midway. Chaparral and Ellison remained district foes in 16-5A with opponents Lake Belton, Belton, Waco and Waco University.
There was one coaching change during the offseason after the departure of Kiara Marshall from Chaparral. Jennifer Graham, a longtime, successful Killeen High coach, was hired in June to keep the Lady Bobcats on their upward trajectory. During her seven seasons with the Lady Roos, Graham oversaw 105 victories and one district title.
Harker Heights head coach Shirretha Nelson (Year 15) is KISD’s second longest-tenured girls basketball coach heading into the season.
Here’s a glance at KISD’s five teams.
Chaparral
Last season’s record: 28-7
Returners: Ivy Powell, senior guard; Tori Hines, sophomore guard; Taylor Hines, sophomore guard; Chazlyn Dettor, senior forward
Newcomers: Amierah Moore, sophomore guard; Demiyah Carter, sophomore guard; Josilyn Simmons, junior guard; Annaliese Leet, senior forward; Sydnee Tate, junior forward; Janae Jackson, senior guard
Coach Jennifer Graham says: “I’ve been fortunate to witness the incredible talent on this team—student-athletes who are not only skilled but also driven to improve every day. The campus and athletic leadership have been unwavering in their support, providing the resources and vision needed for success. Our student-athletes have shown a level of commitment that’s inspiring, putting in the hard work in the classroom and on the court. And I can’t say enough about the coaching staff –– dedicated, hardworking, and always willing to go the extra mile for this team. The student-athletes, leadership, and staff are all aligned with our academic and athletic goals for the program. With this kind of talent, support, and commitment, the future looks incredibly bright, and we have all the tools to bring a state title to Chaparral High School.”
Schedule: https://tinyurl.com/m2y2rhvr
Ellison
Last season’s record: 24-12
Returners: Faith Etienne, sophomore guard/forward; Zoe Parker, senior forward/post; Triniti Price, senior guard; Indigo Newburn, senior guard; Jade Oladipo, junior guard/forward/post; Janiyah Williams, senior post
Newcomers: Aryasia Young, senior post; Krysalyn Peterson, senior guard/forward; Chardonae Jackson, freshman post
Coach Sherry McKinnon says: “I’m excited about this year’s team. They work hard. They are so much fun to be around and fun to coach. I love how they really like each other. I’m expecting great things from them on and off the court.”
Schedule: https://tinyurl.com/mjkr2k6s
Harker Heights
Last season’s record: 22-13
Returners: Arianna Jennings, senior; Amanda Grate, junior; Makayla Gaston, junior
Coach Shirretha Nelson says: “I’m excited to see our team development. We are a young and eager team. I’m looking forward to seeing the team’s growth as we progress throughout the season.”
Schedule: https://tinyurl.com/yc7v2y6v
Killeen
Last season’s record: 10-23
Returners: A'Mya Brooks, senior guard; Shawnta Thomas, senior, guard; Sophia Guerrero, senior guard; Jadien Jones, junior guard
Newcomers: I'keriyah Thomas, sophomore guard; Zoe Thomas, sophomore forward; Tanaya Butts, sophomore forward; Yalonna Allen, junior guard; Byanka Hutchinson, junior guard; MacKenna Dempsey, junior guard; Jasmine Boyd, junior center
Coach Asrelle Collier says: “I'm most excited about the depth on our bench. We have a very skilled and athletic group of young ladies. In addition to our bench, my senior leadership is unmatched. A'Mya Brooks, Shawnta Thomas and Sophia Guerrero know what I expect in this team and are positive impacts for the rest of the squad. Our preseason schedule, in which we are playing against some top ranked 6A teams, is aligned for us to make some noise once we get into district play. We will have an underdog mentality every opponent we face.”
Schedule: https://tinyurl.com/5acpxbz9
Shoemaker
Last season’s record: 16-18
Returners: Jalaiya Johnson, sophomore guard; Heaven Britton, junior guard; Kenyjah Richards, senior guard/forward; Alexis Robinson, sophomore guard/forward; Kaylee St George, junior guard; Alexius Smith, junior guard; Amber Robinson, junior forward/guard
Newcomers: Arianna Stuart, senior guard; Kahlia Woodley, sophomore guard; LaNaiya Harris, senior guard; Dalyla Evans, senior guard; Shaywon Hickman, junior guard/forward; Kaliyah Pasley, senior guard/forward; Janeen Lashley-Hill, junior forward/center
Coach Elise Kea says: “The coaching staff is looking forward to not coaching effort. These ladies are very competitive and have a winning mindset. We are all ready to do what it takes to win.”
Schedule: https://tinyurl.com/yuu7x5yy
