BHC - Southwest District Girls Analysis

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ABINGDON FALCONS

 

Coach: Rhonda Engle

 

Key returners: Samantha Whitmore (Jr., C, 5-11) 8 points; Lauren Wilson (Jr., F, 5-8) averaged 22 points before injuring knee at midseason; Samantha Mitchell (Sr., G, 5-7)

 

Strength: The Falcons have 4 players in the 5-foot-10 range

 

Key question? With 3 freshmen and just 2 seniors, how quickly can the Falcons gain experience on the court?

 

Analysis: Engle, a former basketball star at Abingdon, was one of the most successful coaches in the area before resigning 4 years ago. While the lineup is inexperienced, Engle has a proven formula for success

 

CARROLL COUNTY CAVALIERS

 

Coach: Marc Motley

 

Last season: 14-11 overall (13-1 in the SWD)

 

Key returners: Cydnie Cornell (Jr., G) 4 points, 2.7 assists, 2 steals; Mary Jones (Sr., G);

Kayla Goins (Jr., F) 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists

 

Strength: Speed and experience. Plus, 3 starters return

 

Key question? Can the Cavaliers replace SWD co-player of the year, Jessi Watts?

 

Analysis: The Cavaliers are young, small and have only 1 senior with starting experience. Motley (109-41 career record) is a proven winner, however

 

GRUNDY GOLDEN WAVE

 

Coach: Bill Christian

 

Last season: 8-15 overall

 

Key returners: Holly Bowman (So., G)

 

Strength: Bowman earned all-district honors as a freshman

 

Key question? Will hustle be enough to compensate for the Golden Wave's lack of size?

 

Analysis: 8 players have varsity experience, but Bowman must carry a big load

 

GRAHAM G-MEN

 

Coach: Tracy Raban

 

Key returners: Chelsea Gallinger (Jr.); Maggie Henry (So.); Maggie Jones (Sr.); Kelli

Landreth (Jr.)

 

Strength: Gallinger was a first-team All-SWD pick last season

 

Key question? Does Graham have the depth to make an SWD title run?

 

Analysis: Graham has made steady progress in recent years, earning the first regional berth in three decades two years ago

 

MARION SCARLET HURRICANE

 

Coach: Sallie Moss

 

Key returners: Jessi Shuler (Sr., P, 5-10); Kenzi Tilson (Sr., G, 5-7) 7 points; Morgan Goodbrod (Jr., G, 5-6)

 

Strength: Quickness

 

Key question? Who steps up as a consistent scorer?

 

Analysis: Moss is hoping to generate more wins with improved defense. Tilson, who scored 16 points in one game last season, will provide some offense

 

RICHLANDS BLUE TORNADO

 

Coach: James Cochran

 

Key returners: Cassie Ringstaff (Jr., PG, 5-3) 8 points; Evan Ferrell (Jr., G, 5-5) 6 points; Katie Lindsey (Sr., 5-8) 4 points and 6 rebounds

 

Strength: Guard play

 

Key question: Who will replace SWD scoring leader Jenny Keene?

 

Analysis: Keene finished her prep career with 1,290 points, 4th best in school history. This might be a rebuilding year, but some talented young players are in the system. Lindsey is the lone senior

 

TAZEWELL BULLDOGS

 

Coach: Bill Mitchell

 

Last season: 13-13 overall (7-6 in the SWD)

 

Key returners: Kelsy Sutherland (Jr., PG) 12.4 points; Katelyn Mitchell (Jr., G) 9.4 points; Brittany Muncey (Sr., C) 8.5 points; Cara Cecil (Jr., F) 5.1 points; Keisha Barton (Jr., G) 3.4 points

 

Strength: Experience

 

Key question: Can the Bulldogs steer clear of injuries?

 

Analysis: The Bulldogs have experience and some proven scorers. Sutherland must be steady at PG

 

COACHES POLL

 

1. Abingdon

2. Carroll County

3. Tazewell

4. Graham

5. Grundy

6. Richlands

7. Marion

 

Life has many choices---eternity has two

 

GO BLUES!!!