Karen Brannan is about to begin her senior season at Carrollton High. Her goal is to take the team back to the state finals.

As a sophomore point guard, Brannan helped guide the Carrollton Girls basketball team to the Class A state final, where it lost to Nokomis.

"I learned a lot from that season. I learned what it takes to make it that far and it inspires me to get back to that level," Brannan said.

Last season Carrollton went 26-6, losing in the sectional round.

Brannan competed in several basketball camps this summer, including the camp July 17-19 at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.

At the SIUE camp, Brannan's defense stood out.

With several underclassmen coming in this season for Carrollton, Brannan still feels positive about her team's chances. "Our main goal is to get back to the state championships, but we also have to remember to play as a team and to have fun. I believe we can do it, but it all has to start right now," Brannan said.

Laura Moss, another Carrollton guard and member of the team that advanced to the state finals two years ago, said of Brannan, "She's an amazing player. She is one of the best ball handlers I have ever seen. She can dribble through a crowd of people and still come out with the ball. You don't find too many people who can do that.

"She can also create shots for other players on the team with her ball handling by the way she breaks down defenses."

Last year, Brannan averaged 11 points, six assists and six steals.

"Karen is an extremely hard worker," Carrollton coach Lori Blade said. "She is a good leader and a role model for other players. I can always count on getting an all out effort from her."

Blade said the team expects to run a more transitional and fast paced offense than they are accustomed to, which will require Brannan to move the ball up the court much quicker.

"I'm used to having the basketball in my hands most of the game anyway," Brannan said. "I'm always willing to do whatever it takes for us to win."

Brannan plays softball for Carrollton in the fall, but says basketball is her preferred sport. She would like to continue playing basketball after high school. She has not decided on a college.

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Karen Brannan

School: Carrollton

Sport: Basketball

Position: Point guard

Class: Senior