TROY- A new season begins for the Lady Trojans basketball team looks to improve in 2025-26 after a season of growth last year. The team will benefit from some new freshman additions. Although these new players will help, they will still need to rely on the leadership of the senior veteran, Riley King. The Lady Trojans have increased their expectations this year and believe they can compete in every game. The girls have been putting in hard work this offseason and plan to make this year better than any before.


“Our expectations this upcoming season would be to compete in every game and have a great chance to win a lot more games,” said Coach Bunck.


While previous seasons have not been competitive, the team looks to change that. There is a newfound confidence and swagger that is much needed to help win games and make a run in the playoffs this season. The girls have put in the work to improve this offseason.


“Our commitment to improving has been night and day from last year,” explained Coach Bunck. “We have a lot more girls who are confident in their ability.


Experience and confidence were important challenges Troy faced last season as they battled through injuries and adversity. This year, the team has experience that will lead to the confidence needed to win tough and close games. With returning seniors and underclassmen getting varsity playing time last season, they will be full of experience. This year's freshman class brings talent to the team and success from the junior high MVL level. Most players will be able to focus on varsity instead of splitting time between JV and Varsity.


“With only losing one player from last year, the returning talent will be able to show growth in every game that we play,” said Coach Bunck


The team's key returners include junior Simone Adekoya and sophomores Persephone Williamson, Maecie Wagner, and Elayna Ernst. They will also be welcoming back a healthy Addi Salmon, along with juniors Jayda Dillow and Claire Meredith. Troy returns much-needed experience to the guard position; sophomore Ella Comer and senior Riley King hope to help make a difference for the Trojans once they are cleared from injuries.


“Kendall Henry, Kylie Mittelstadt, and Alivia Ayers have been showing their skill set this preseason,” said Coach Bunck


Throughout the off-season, their confidence has continued to grow, and they have formed a bond that helps build the chemistry for the whole team. What they lack in experience and confidence, they make up for in talent and height. These three freshmen give the team much-needed height in every position. This gives them an advantage in the paint and to improve on the boards.


“Riley King is my only senior,” Bunk said. “She brings a lot of experience and knowledge of the game at the varsity level.” The shooting guard appeared in 18 games last season and looks to improve on her numbers from last season. When not getting steals for the Trojans, she's on the softball field throwing Ks. Although she has been injured in the offseason, her wisdom and experience are important for success.


The Lady Trojans tip off for their first game at home at 7:30 in the TAC here at Troy High School against Piqua on November 26th. If you miss that one, they play December 3rd at home in the TAC at 7:30 against Tippecanoe.