Lady Patriots enjoy successful summer

Summer basketball gives coaches an opportunity to learn a lot more about their basketball teams leading up to a new season.

Michael Clifton, head coach of the Marshall Academy Lady Patriots, took full advantage of the slate of games in June against talented opponents and liked what he saw.

“We were very competitive throughout the summer, even though a number of our players were out for various reasons,” he said. “The summer gives you a chance as coaches to try different lineups in different situations. You get to see who may step up later.”

MA returns four starters from the 2025-26 season. The Lady Patriots finished 17-12, losing in the first round of the Class 3A North Regional Tournament.

“That gives us quite a nucleus to build on,” said Clifton, who will enter his seventh year coaching. “I was also really impressed this summer with how some of the younger girls stepped up and showed they will be ready when called upon.”