With a goal of improving daily, the South Putnam girl's basketball team took the first step towards achieving that Tuesday night, opening the 2023-24 season with a commanding 61-10 home win over South Vermillion. 

"We played well for the most part.  I thought we did a good job of attacking the rim and defensively did a good job of playing position defense.  Lots of girls got to play, which was great for the first night," South Putnam coach Brian Gardner told The Putnam County Post after the win. 

With a talented roster that features senior forward Joscelyn Pilcher, as well as junior point guard Danae Cline, junior guard Chlara Pistelli, junior post player Madison Gardner and junior guard Lilly Emmerich, the Eagles wasted little time imposing its will and was able to shake off the rust, according to Gardner. 

"It was good to get the rust off of playing in a game setting.  Lots of young girls got to play," Gardner said.

Leading the way for the Eagles was Pistelli, who scored 16 points, while Lyla Rissler added 11. Cline contributed with nine points. 

Next up for the Eagles is a road date Friday against Cloverdale, who opened the season at Riverton Parke Tuesday. 

According to Gardner, there is plenty for his team to work on as it prepares for the Clovers.   

"The focus for Friday is to get better at small things.  We had some unforced turnovers that we need to clean up. I have not seen Cloverdale play this year.  I know they have had some injuries early so they may not be playing at full strength.  County games are always very hard fought and I look for the game to be a hard fought contest.  JJ does a great job of getting his girls to play hard," Gardner said.