EUFAULA GIRLS
A change in defensive philosophy seemed to spark the Eufaula Lady Ironheads in the second half of last season and set things up nicely for second-year coach Jason Radomski moving into the 2025 season.
“We started the season running a full court man-to-man defense, but we were 5-12 after the first tournament break. So, after Christmas we went to a match-up zone and ended the season 13-14, winning seven of our last 10 games and knocked our points against average from nearly 50 a game to about 35. Offensively, when I got here, I saw this team could really shoot the ball well from the perimeter but needed more. So, we worked hard on fundamentals and learning how to become complete basketball players and after some rough going, I think we made great strides in that department,” said Radomski.
For 2025, the Lady Ironheads return one starter and several players that saw a lot of varsity playing time. And they’re tall-five players that stand 5-8 or better.
“We’re looking to build off the success at the end of last season now that we’re feeling confident about our new system and having spent a year in Class 4A, we have a better idea of what is needed to make a playoff run,” said Radomski.
Leading the way is senior and VYPE TOP 100 choice Johna Bumgarner (5-8), the leading scorer from last year who averaged 10 points a game while hitting 34 percent from 3-point land on over 160 attempts.
“Johna can really knock it down from the wing and her lengthy wingspan on defense causes a lot of deflections. I expect her to step up her scoring this year and be a big part of our success,” said Radomski.
She’s joined by fellow seniors Lauren Gray (5-7) who was a defensive specialist last year but is quickly improving her offensive skills according to Radomski, and Ariel Greenlee (6-0) as well as juniors Burkleigh Lange (5-11) and Briley Gragg.
“Lauren and Ariel are two players we are expecting to have a really big year for us,” said coach ‘Dom. We also have very talented sophomore and freshmen classes who have shown they’re ready to be key pieces this year.”
Leading that group is Olivia Hamby (6-0, So.), a VYPE TOP 100 player who averaged seven points a game and hit 50 percent from beyond the arc last year.
“Olivia settled in nicely as a freshman last year becoming a top scoring option for us off the bench. She handles the ball well and can play multiple positions and I think she’ll be a highly regarded player across the state going forward.” Other sophomores who will be contributing this year are Hannah Needham (5-6) who will take on the point guard role and Kristee Thompson (6-0). Look for freshmen Ava Neill (6-2), Ayana Siers, and Ashtyn Harjo to battle for playing time as well
