The Madison Lady Cubs basketball team has already started the Lady Cubs posting a solid 6-5 record in their 2021-2022 season so far, including a dominating win over cross country rival Southwestern. There are many returning athletes and some key hoopers that did not return. One significant loss to the team was the graduation of Madison Consolidated High School Hall of Famer Jade Nutley. However, the cupboard is far from bare. Returning seniors Mary Johnson, Patty Johnson, Taylor Lynch, and returning juniors Alaina Kelley, Breck Ralston, Cadence Traylor, Cam Mann, Cameran Cahall, and Casey Dyer form a solid nucleus of players for head coach Sonja Bowyer to continue to build on. Sophomores Bailey Owens and Caity Dailey also figure to be contributed this year. As for the newcomers, freshmen Daniela Gironella, Keragan Spry, Laura Rodriguez, Lillian Fox, and Lillian Sullivan hope to carve their own identities in the Lady Cubs’ hoops program. 

Coach Bowyer said, “This season will be a little bit different. We lost some really good seniors from last year, so we struggled a little bit early, but now we have it going on, and we have a good group going out there. Now we are on an upward horizon.” 

The Lady Cubs seem to pack a punch from many directions. Bowyer was non-committal when identifying a “go-to” player this season.

“That’s hard to say because any game anybody could go off. Taylor Lynch has 11 assists in one game. Cameran Cahall has had double-doubles with rebounds and points. Mary Johnson came off the bench and had 12 points. But any night, it could be any of the players.”

Ralston, who’s been playing basketball since she was 3, said,” I think this season is going to turn out good (sic).” 

Kelley echoed her sentiment. “I think this season will go well whenever we control the game and do what we know how to do instead of being sloppy with the ball.”

It was the tenth year in a row the Lady Cubs have prevailed over the Rebels with a dominating 69-28 victory, but Kelley has loftier goals in consideration. This would be the tenth year in a row (for winning the Turkey Shootout), and we’ve worked really hard and are prepared to get the win. But I’m looking forward to going into the sectionals because I think we still are going to grow a lot and shock a lot of people with what we are capable of.”

Next, you can see the Lady Cubs play Thursday versus Jennings County at Connor K. Salm Gymnasium.