By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

THE TEAM

Head Coach: DaVante McKinney, 1st year, 0-0 career record.

Ravenna’s Jalysia Thompson looks for an open teammate while being pressured by Mogadore’s Hayli Clester.
Paisley Nader/Portage Sports

Coaching Staff: Taylor Coia, Lauren Calhoun, William Calhoun.

2024-25 Record: 5-18 overall; 2-12 Metro Athletic Conference.

Returning Letterwinners (4): Miriyha Saidfer, sr.; Jalysia Thompson,sr.; Jeilany Malave, sr.; Alanna Casteel, soph.

Letterwinners Lost (0).

League: Metro Athletic Conference.

TEAM OUTLOOK

Longtime boys basketball assistant DaVante McKinney, a Ravenna alumni who has been coaching for 11 years, steps into his first season leading the girls program.

He has joined with a pair of all-time Ravenna girls basketball greats, bringing in Taylor (Geib) Coia and Lauren Calhoun as part of the coaching staff. Coia is the Ravens’ JV coach, while Calhoun is coaching at the middle-school level.

As for this year’s team, McKinney wants to get his guards and shooters into space to create opportunities, while also playing through senior post Jalysia Thompson.

WE HAVE A SUCCESSFUL SEASON IF…

“If we commit to getting better every day and playing defense,” McKinney said. “Defense is the key to success.”

GUARDS

Miriyha Sadifer is the starting point guard and is an aggressive jumpstarter on both sides of the court.

“Her speed and ability to attack gives us a likable advantage nightly.”

Adding backcourt support are Lou White, Kayden Welz, Noma White, Nevaeh Marstiller and Alanna Casteel.

“Lou is a sharpshooter from the outside, with the ability to put the ball on the ground to make a play for herself or her teammates.

“Kayden has a high motor and is one of our best on-ball defenders.

“Noma’s competitive edge separates her from most. She will be utilized in many different ways that will showcase her abilities on both sides of the ball.

“Nevaeh has speed and strength and her low gravity and skill-set will allow us to have another ball-handler who can attack and score from the mid-level.

“Alanna has a very smooth game, with patience and has the ability to knock down shots from anywhere on the court.”

FORWARDS

The frontcourt features athletic and versatile players, with as many as five forming the core rotation.

Kenzie Irvin is a player who “doesn’t and won’t quit,” according to McKinney. “Her athleticism and energy pops out on the court.”

Lilly Franklin is a pure athlete, who brings high energy and effort to the court.

Jeilany Malave is a tough on-ball defender, which allows her to make an impact in every game.

McKinney described freshman Emelia Franklin as “easily the best athlete on our team.”

“We look forward to her growth and development.”

Savanna McKeown is the Ravens’ “hardest-working players,” who has the ability to drive, rebound and hit open shots.

Maddie Brode is currently rehabbing from an injury, but has remained connected to the team with her strength and passion.

On the court, “she is not not scared and no challenge is too big for her. She is a coach’s player.”

CENTERS

Senior Jalysia Thompson is a four-year starter and is called “the anchor,” by McKinney, for both ends of the court.

“Her ability to score, pass and make the game easier for her team will be the key to a successful season.”

UNDERCLASSMEN TO WATCH

Nevaeh Marstiller, jr.; Noma White, soph.; Alanna Casteel, soph.; Emelia Franklin, fresh.

CAUSE FOR CONCERN

“Our lack of experience. We have a lot of girls who are returning to basketball after taking some time off.”

LEAGUE OUTLOOK

McKinney’s top teams in the MAC include Streetsboro, Norton and Field.

DID YOU KNOW?

McKinney spent 10 years with the Ravenna boys program and was most recently the JV head coach under former head coach Marlon Jones.