Lacey Slatton was an instant success in her debut season with the Covenant Lady Lions. Now it’s time for the encore.

Covenant was tremendous last year, finishing second in the TNCAA tournament and winning over 10 games. Gone are three seniors from last year’s squad – Emma Madewell, Naina Patel and Danielle Petty – leaving voids that will need to be filled this season.

“We’re younger, but we’re working hard,” said senior Erica Clay during a team photo session Monday. 

Clay is one of the contributors returning from last year’s team, along with being the lone senior. Madisen Madewell and Sarah Sharpe also played big minutes last season and have already showed the ability to lead the offense.

Covenant has started the season 1-2, beating Madison Academy in its first game before falling to Boyd last week and FRCS Monday night.

Madewell was the leading scorer in the team’s 32-21 victory in the home opener, while Jaelin Stovall’s seven points were a team high in a 35-21 loss to Boyd.

Here are a few things to watch for from the Lady Lions this season:

Late improvement

While the Lady Lions were one of the better teams in their conference last year, it wasn’t like that all season. Covenant didn’t get off to a fast start last season while adjusting to a new coach, but the team seemed to learn under Slatton’s leadership as the season went along.

With a young team breaking in new players in bigger roles, this year could be the same.

Covenant’s goal is to be at its best in February, when winning is the only way to keep the season going.

Lone Madewell

For years, it was easy to count on the dual production of Emma and Madisen Madewell. Now with Emma in college, Madisen is adjusting to a new role as a leader and go-to scorer on the Lady Lions. Much like Emma, Madisen’s game seems to grow year-by-year.

Expect big things from Madewell this season, something Covenant has been able to say for years.

Flipping the script

Most fans are used to showing up and seeing the girls game first, followed by the boys contest. Due to some work conflicts, Covenant will likely change the order for some of its games this season. The Lady Lions already played second last week against Boyd and in Monday’s home loss. Fans should plan accordingly – the Standard will try to post accurate start times Sundays in the high school basketball weekly previews.