BHC - Clinch Mountain Girls - Analysis

[tbgfan 856]

GATE CITY BLUE DEVILS

 

Coach: Kelly Houseright

 

Last season: 5-20 overall (4-4 in the CM)

 

Key returners: Tia Vermillion (Sr., G, 5-6); Tessa Burton (Sr., P, 6-0)

 

Strength: Work ethic.

 

Key question: Can the Blue Devils learn from last season's tough experience, as well as replace the output of leading scorer Samantha Horner.

 

Analysis: This team is still young, but players such as Burton, junior Megan Starnes, junior Rachel Horner and sophomore Holly Musick have varsity experience. Burton could emerge as a force.

 

JOHN BATTLE TROJANS

 

Coach: Kevin Perrigan

 

Last season: 8-17 overall (1-7 in the CM)

 

Key returners: Ashley Bryant (So., G, 5-6) 13.4 points; Brittni Altmann (So., G, 5-7) 7.3 points; Lindsey O'Quinn (So., P, 5-8).

 

Strength: Team unity

 

Key question: Will another scorer emerge to take the pressure off Bryant, who will be the focus of other team's defenses?

 

Analysis: The Trojans paid their dues last season as five freshmen got varsity experience. The return of seniors Carly Johnson (PG) and Laken McReynolds (5-10, post) from a one-

year layoff will help.

 

LEBANON PIONEERS

 

Coach: Rex Parker

 

Last season: 8-15 overall (1-7 in CM)

 

Key returners: Allie Smith (Sr., G, 5-6) 12.6 points; Heather Cox (Sr., C, 5-10) 10.6 points and 8 rebounds; Rachel Cook (Sr., F, 5-7).

 

Strength: Three returning starters.

 

Key question: Who emerges as the new point guard?

 

Analysis: The Pioneers lack size and a deep bench. Five of Parker's nine players are up from the JV. The newcomers must adapt quickly.

 

LEE GENERALS

 

Coach: Stephanie Ward

 

Last season: 19-7 overall (6-2 in the CM).

 

Key returners: Chelsea Cluesman (Sr., G, 5-8) 13.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists; Jalan McPherson (Jr., G, 5-7) 9 points, Chealsey Brock (Jr., G, 5-6).

 

Strength: Cluesman is a candidate for CMD POY honors. She earned all-region and honorable mention all-state honors last season.

 

Key question: Who replaces current Emory & Henry freshman Rachel Wynn in the post?

 

Analysis: With three veteran guards, the Generals are solid in the backcourt. The key is to find a new post player. No matter the lineup, Ward always molds successful teams through effort, unselfish play and defense.

 

VIRGINIA HIGH BEARCATS

 

Coach: Barry Reed

 

Last season: 24-4 overall (8-0 in the CM)

 

Key returners: Savannah Pippin (So., P, 6-1) 12.9 points, 8.4 rebounds; Adriane Evans (Jr., F, 6-0); Aubree Hutt (Sr., PG., 5-2); Fallon Thomas (Jr., 5-6)

 

Strength: Pippin, who established a school record with 79 blocked shots as a freshman, is already drawing attention from major college recruiters. She can play all five positions.

 

Key question: Who steps up to help Pippin?

 

Analysis: VHS has won at least 20 games each of the past 5 seasons under Reed. Unless another scorer emerges, that streak could be in jeopardy. Hutt, the lone senior, provides leadership while Thomas supplies defense. Sophomore Grayson Collins and junior post Kendra Smith are also in the mix.

 

Life has many choices---eternity has two

[Beamerball 566]

Coaches Poll (as listed in the KTN)...

 

CMD Girls (4 of the 5 coaches voting)

1. Lee High (3)..........19

2. Virginia High (1)....13

3. Gate City..............12

3. John Battle............12

5. Lebanon................4

 

 

KTN SWVA poll

 

Girls

1. Lee High

2. Castlewood

3. J.I. Burton

4. Ervinton

5. Powell Valley

6. Virginia High

7. J.J. Kelly

8. Rye Cove

9. Thomas Walker

10. Gate City

Edited November 22, 2008 by Beamerball