The Daphne varsity boys will open their season Nov. 6 on the road against Alma Bryant. The varsity girls will open their season that same day at home against Biloxi (MS). 

DAPHNE BOYS

Head coach Reed Hotard enters his fifth season at Daphne and his 18th overall, leading a team built on toughness and effort. The Trojans finished 18-9 last year, won the Class 7A Area 2 championship and reached the Elite Eight before falling to Fairhope. With eight seniors and three juniors, this year’s squad brings plenty of experience and chemistry.

“Play hard, run through a wall,” Hotard said. “Do everything you can to compete and win.”

That mentality has defined Daphne’s recent success, and with veteran leaders like senior guard CJ Gardner — also one of the county’s top football wide receivers — the Trojans expect to be in contention again. Seniors Colton Gill and Brantley Gore round out the group’s leadership core.

DAPHNE GIRLS

After a Final Four appearance last season, Daphne girls head coach Kimyatta Perry has her sights set on going even further. Entering her seventh season at Daphne and 16th overall, Perry led the Trojans to a 22-9 record and a win over Foley in the Elite Eight before falling in the state semifinals.

“We did create a tougher schedule this year,” Perry said. “That is in preparation for another playoff run. I anticipate that that will be the case for us again. We just want different results when we go this time.”

The Trojans will be led by six seniors, including forwards Kamorya Johnson and Kimaya Heard, guards Fredayshia Goodwin and Dasia Matt, point guard Abby Johnson and forward Sophia Hunt.

Abby Johnson is an All-State point guard with several college offers returning as one of the county’s top players, while Goodwin brings perimeter shooting to balance the offense. With depth and experience across the board, Daphne expects to remain a state contender once again.