Charlotte Observer Sweet 16 girls basketball countdown: Providence Day Chargers

Note: the Observer is revealing teams in its preseason Sweet 16 poll, but not the order. The order will be revealed in Saturday’s print editions

PROVIDENCE DAY CHARGERS

Head Coach: Josh Springer (10th year as Providence Day girls’ basketball coach)

Coaching Career Record: 239-35

2015-16 Record: 27-2 (10-0 to win the CISAA conference title)

Returning Starters: Janelle Bailey, Sr., C/F (6-3); Kennedy Boyd, Jr., PG (5-6).

Other Key Returnees: Jacquelyn Ives, So. G (5-7); Emilie Smith, Sr., F (5-10).

Key Newcomers: Laila Barnes, So., F (6-0); Kailey Smith, Fr., G (5-6); MiLeia Owens, Fr., G (5-4); Andi Levitz, Fr., PG (5-4); Grace Godwin, Fr., G (5-6); Taylor France, So., G (5-8)

Outlook: The seven-time, defending NCISAA state champions (won 11 of the last 12 state titles) are loaded with talent once again led by all-state forward, Janelle Bailey (17 ppg, 9 rpg/University of North Carolina commit) and junior point guard, Kennedy Boyd (8 ppg/Div. 1 recruit). With Bailey and Boyd’s experience and leadership, the Chargers will once again be the favorite to defend their CISAA conference title (won 95 straight games) and win their 8th straight state title.

--JAY EDWARDS

This story was originally published November 10, 2016 at 2:23 PM with the headline "Charlotte Observer Sweet 16 girls basketball countdown: Providence Day Chargers."