Everything is going to have a new feel to it.
A new coach and an overhaul on a new roster are going to be a key theme to the rebuilding Charleston girls’ basketball team.
Gone from a 1-22 squad are three of the top five scorers from last season – but there are plenty of freshmen all playing for a new coach, Shani Iberg. That should be reason for hope as the team looks to return to its former glory days.
Iberg steps into the head coaching spot after six years as an assistant coach at Tri-County High School. Iberg taught at Shiloh CUSD for six years after finishing up at Greenville College.
“We had some pretty successful teams there including a couple of fourth-place (state) finishes, state appearances, and numerous regional championships,” said Iberg. “It will be fun to play against some of those former athletes (now with Tri-County) this year in our Holiday Tournament.”
Iberg is aware of the task at hand. After a 15-0 season in 2020-21, the Trojans fell on hard times last year by going 0-12 in the Apollo Conference. Ellie Long (5.8 PPG), as well as Addy Logsdon (3.2 PPG) and Kiera Campbell (2.5 PPG) all graduated. The Trojans averaged an anemic 20.3 points per game.
“We are focused on rebuilding and rebranding,” said Iberg. “We are young, really young but have so much potential for the coming years.”
The team returns its second-leading scorer in junior Ally Logsdon, who averaged 5.6 points. Iberg will be relying on Logsdon, who has seen playing time since her freshman year.
“Ally is bringing key skills all around,” said Iberg. “She is quick off the dribble and has been working on her shot. Her sister, Annie, will bring some experience to the inside. The large group of freshmen brings some exciting talent as well.”
Some key freshmen sticking out right now are Maggie Englum and Ellie Swies. Iberg said that both are going to “bring some speed and shooting to the table.” Meanwhile, Annie Logsdon could see potential minutes, while Iberg is hopeful that the freshmen can step up in the wake of an injury to Michael Jones.
“With key injuries, underclassmen will also have to step up and fill some major minutes,” said Iberg. “Our focus is to learn and grow every day this year to get back to competitive Charleston basketball in the next year or two.”
The Charleston girls basketball team dropped its Apollo Conference opener to Mount Zion, 59-24. Ally Logsdon led the Trojans with 20 points. Charleston is now 1-4 overall. CHS returns to play at home against Urbana on Thursday.
Bailee Eslinger and Veronica Ready will serve as the varsity assistants.
2022-23 roster
| No. | Name | Grade |
| 43 | Macie Babbs | FR |
| 31 | Isabelle Brown | FR |
| 10 | Maggie Englum | FR |
| 11 | Samantha Fehrenbacher | FR |
| 24 | Cadence Flynn | JR |
| 23 | Bailey Harris | FR |
| 45 | Ella Kenner | SO |
| 15 | Ally Logsdon | JR |
| 42 | Ally Logsdon | JR |
| 21 | Megan Myerscough | JR |
| 0 | Ruthie Okrasinski | FR |
| 14 | Averie Paul | FR |
| 35 | Jacey Smith | FR |
| 1 | Elizabeth Swipes | FR |
| 33 | Mekenzie Wanek-Clementi | FR |
Coles County Sports 