Spain Park High School’s girls basketball program continues its upward trajectory under head coach John Hadder. After guiding the team from a single win in 2022-23 to a 16-15 record last season, the Lady Jaguars enter the 2026-27 campaign with a roster that, while still young, feels more seasoned than ever.
Experienced leadership amid a youthful core
Senior guard Kamia Dawsey is the lone upperclassman on an 11‑player squad that includes a mix of freshmen, sophomores and a sophomore point guard who began playing varsity as a seventh‑grader. “We’re mostly ninth and tenth graders, except for our senior,” Coach Hadder said at the Under the Lights Basketball Media Day on Oct. 19. “We still have a young group, but it doesn’t feel that way as much.”
Dawsey, who has been vocal since earning varsity minutes, emphasizes confidence and chemistry. “Leadership isn’t about senior status; it’s about setting the tone for the whole team,” she said. Her goal for the season is to instill confidence across the roster and recognize the younger players who have been the first in the gym all summer.
Building on a steady climb
Since Coach Hadder took over, the Lady Jaguars have increased their win total each year: one win in 2022‑23, nine the next season, 13 thereafter, and 16 last year. The team’s recent 16‑15 record included a strong showing in the Class 6A, Area 8 tournament opener before falling in the fourth quarter.
“Now we’re at a point where we ask, can we raise our ceiling a little? Can we compete with the best teams on our schedule? That’s the next step,” Hadder explained. The shift to a faster, 35‑second shot clock has encouraged a more up‑tempo style, moving away from the grind‑out possessions that characterized earlier squads.
Depth and chemistry
Freshman and sophomore players have been together since first grade, fostering a deep sense of familiarity. Shooting guard Lynlee Franks noted, “Each year we added a piece to our team. We’ve gotten better each year, and this year we can play more freely.” Forward Chenelle Hunter called the new AHSAA classification “close to the toughest area in the classification,” expressing excitement about the challenge.
The roster includes sophomores Elaina Emerson, Beatrice Parker and Morgan Bryant, and freshmen Elle Smith, Aria Knight, Sia Roberts and Averi Norwood. Hadder said the six sophomores are known quantities, while the four freshmen will determine the team’s depth.
Schedule and upcoming challenges
The Lady Jaguars open the season at home against Center Point on Thursday and will host the Jag Classic during Thanksgiving week, the first of three home tournaments. Birmingham Ball follows Dec. 18‑21, and the Jag Challenge runs Dec. 28‑30. Area play begins Jan. 8 at Oak Mountain, and the regular season concludes Feb. 3 at home versus Hueytown.
Coach Hadder summed up the season’s aim: “Be a hard out and be tough to play against.” With a blend of youthful energy, growing experience, and a clear vision for improvement, the Lady Jaguars are poised to test that ambition against the toughest competition in their new 6A, Area 6 district.
Original reporting: Hoover Sun — read the source article.
