JACKSONVILLE – After going 17-9 last season and not winning the District championship Middleburg head Coach Michael Hayward knew things needed to change going into the 2018-2019 campaign.

“We have a lot of talent here along with a lot of expectations.,” said Hayward. “ We need to be humble and most of all play with a championship mentality.”

This years team will be led by starters Mallory Roney, Brittany Range, Jamayah Harkins, Mar’ria Davis and Skylar Baltezegor a junior transfer from Fleming Island.

Range scored 21 points and five steals , Roney added 12 points and six assists, Harkins scored 15 points and Baltezegor scored for points and had four blocks and seven rebounds as the Broncos pounded Mandarin 59-21 in a preseason game Thursday night at Atlantic Coast high school.

Middleburg used full court pressure to force turnovers and convert them into easy baskets while on offense they were able to get wide open looks on the perimeter and run sets thru the post.

“We have always been a good shooting team but now we have a true post player in Skylar and it allows Brittany to play the two guard, “ said Hayward. “ This will help us out when are not shooting well and gives us another dimension for our opponents to prepare for.”

If Middleburg has a weakness it will be depth on the bench. They only plan to carry eight players on the varsity to start the season. The upbeat and fast style of play could hurt a Middleburg if players get into foul trouble.

“We need to keep our players healthy and make sure they are stretching a lot to avoid the everyday bumps and bruises, “ said Hayward.

Freshman Autumn Vinyard and Brooke Swenson should figure into the team plans as the season progresses.

The District title will probably come down to Nease and Middleburg just like it did last season but the Broncos are a much different team, therefore, the matchup at home on December 14th should be an epic battle.

“We didn’t like how the season ended last year, “ said junior guard Brittany Range. “We know what’s ahead of us and we are excited to get it started.”

The Broncos will open up the season in the Inside Exposure Thanksgiving Classic at Sandalwood against Lee on November 20th.