Hammond’s Elaine Epting Before the season, coach Elizabeth Moses knew the Hammond girls basketball team faced several questions.

Could the Skyhawks withstand opponents’ pressure defense?

Could the team get the ball into junior Elaine Epting and Kaki Smith down low?

Could enough players develop to produce needed depth?

After going 4–4 in the season’s first eight games, including 2–3 against public school teams, Moses has some answers.

“Kaki and Elaine have taken control in the paint, which we needed,” Moses said. “Our bench play has exceeded expectations. Lizzie Seabrook came back to Hammond for her senior year and has really helped us off the bench.”

The team’s ability to withstand pressure and to get the ball down low consistently remain unanswered questions.

However, Moses is optimistic because junior point guard Georgia Theodore has shown the benefits of her playing experience last season. Seniors Elizabeth Stuckey and Rachel Hanna have split starting responsibilities at the two–guard based on the match–ups Moses wants.

“Rachel gives us a little more height, and Elizabeth gives us better ball–handling,” Moses said. “Georgia has really been working hard. She knows what to expect this year and knows how to handle whatever she sees.”

No such alternating is going on across the front line. Katie Hood, the team’s only other senior, has a firm grip on one forward spot.

“Katie is a defensive stopper for us, and she’s our team cheerleader on the court,” Moses said. “She’s always trying to get them excited, get them pumped up. She’s very much a high–energy player.”

Epting (6–5) gives Hammond an automatic height advantage under the basket. Smith (5–10) looks to score and is very active in the paint.

“Our strength is our posts,” Moses said. “We struggle when we can’t get the ball to them.”

Beyond the starting five, Moses looks forward to the return of sophomore guard Jackie Rice, who has been slowed by an ankle injury. When healthy, Rice will join Seabrook and whichever guard doesn’t start as the primary players off the bench. Sophomores Madelon Kneece and Mimi Marshall and freshmen Caroline Penland and Lauren Nelson complete the roster.