Grove City — A new season brings fresh opportunities for the Central Crossing Lady Comets as they prepare to navigate a new division. With returning All-OCC guard Savannah Hamilton leading the way and a roster bolstered by promising young talent, the team is determined to build on last year’s performance.
The Lady Comets are moving from the Buckeye Division to the Ohio Division this season, where they’ll face a fresh lineup of tough opponents: Grove City, Gahanna Lincoln, New Albany, Pickerington North, and Westerville Central. Head Coach Chad Novelli recognizes the challenges of the transition but remains committed to growth. “The conference will be just as tough—that’s life in the OCC,” Novelli said. “We’re doing our best to close the gap, considering the talent pool we’re up against.”
The Lady Comets’ roster of 11 includes four sophomores and two freshmen, making for a youthful squad that has benefited from strong leadership from the upperclassmen. “The players have spent a lot of time together, both on and off the court, since last year,” said Head Coach Chad Novelli. “The upperclassmen have done a wonderful job making the younger players feel welcome and helping them get up to speed with program standards and expectations. They are a very enjoyable group to be around.”
With much of the attention likely centered on standout guard Savannah Hamilton, Head Coach Chad Novelli sees promise in his young roster to rise to the occasion. “People will obviously try and key in on Savannah,” Novelli said. “We have a couple of freshmen, Kassidy Gunnell and Izabella Bueno, stepping up strong, and they’ll hopefully take some pressure off her.”
Another highlight for the Lady Comets this season is the selection of sophomore shooting guard Audra Thompson as a team captain. “With Audra’s basketball development and her maturity on and off the floor, we felt she definitely deserves a leadership role in this program,” said Head Coach Chad Novelli. Novelli also praised junior Heidi Myers, expressing confidence in her ability to take on a larger role for the team this season.
Despite any outside speculation, Head Coach Chad Novelli is confident the Lady Comets will compete fiercely in the OCC this season. “Tactically, we can do whatever we want—but when you’re matched up almost daily with schools that have multiple college-offered athletes, you can only do your best,” Novelli said. “We’re focused on improving as a team, not comparing ourselves to others. We’ll get in the ring with anyone.”
Ultimately, Central Crossing is ready to give it their all this season, no matter the uphill climb they face. “From spring workouts to summer workouts and camps, through fall training, we’ve focused on fundamentals and building team camaraderie,” said Head Coach Chad Novelli. “We’re a close group. Our overall goals are to handle pressure better against these long, athletic teams and to put more points on the board offensively.”
Central Crossing opens the season on Friday at home against Thomas Worthington.
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