The first winter sports banquet of the 2023-24 season is past, as the Seymour Lady Owls basketball team hosted their annual awards ceremony and banquet on Monday night.

Seymour head coach Jason Longmeier finished his 12th season coaching for the Owls, he spoke at the event.

“What a great opportunity athletics provide these young ladies,” he said. “The life lessons we learn, this team stayed committed throughout the entire season. During the course of the year, they battle more than just basketball. They work on academics, volunteer work, and relationships. I’m so proud of this group of girls.”

Seymour finished their season with an 11-12 record, picking up wins over Southport, Salem, Greenwood, Batesville, Bloomington South, Madison, Rushville, Columbus East, North Harrison, Charlestown, and New Albany.

Of their 12 losses, there were five sectional champions, four regional champions and one semistate champion on their schedule.

Longmeier spoke on how the tough schedule benefits the team.

“Our ultimate goal is to win a sectional championship, the only way to do that is by playing the best,” Longmeier said. “It also keeps us focused and makes sure we’re focused for every single game we play.”

Journee Brown and Kendall Sterling were both selected to the Hoosier Basketball Coaches Association All-District 4 team. Both seniors had productive final high school seasons for the Lady Owls.

Sterling is heading to Thomas More University in Kentucky to continue her athletic and academic career. She leaves the Owls passing the 1,000-point threshold in her career along with averaging 14.5 points per game this season. She led the girls in assists with 5.3 per game and steals with 2 per game.

Brown is moving to Taylor University for her academic and athletic career. She averaged 13.7 ppg along with leading the team in rebounding with 6.3 per game.

Claire Marshall and Jaidyn Nichols were also honored their hard work and dedication to the Lady Owls program.

“I couldn’t be more proud of these young ladies for their efforts in our program,” Longmeier said. “These are all girls of high character.”

Most of the program awards were stat based. Sterling recorded 123 assists this season, which broke her single-season record from last season.

The team was also recognized for their hard work in the classroom. Longmeier announced that the team of 12 girls, had a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 this season.

“These girls are not just players, these are the true definition of student athletes,” he said. “This is the second year in a row that we’ve accomplished this.”

Awards

Leading Rebounder: Journee Brown

Most Assists: Kendall Sterling

Most Points: Journee Brown

Most Improved: Sophie Skidmore

Coaches Award: Claire Marshall

JV Most Improved: Kennedy Burnette

Varsity Letters

Claire Skaggs, Kenzie Gagner, Abby Otte, Kennedy Burnette, Emmy Followell, Emmy Munson, Sophie Skidmore, Jaidyn Nichols, Claire Marshall, Greer Henry, Journee Brown and Kendall Sterling