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11-16-2012, 05:33 PM
CENTRAL
* Coach: Ashley Franklin (fifth year).
* Last season: 12-14, lost to Presentation 58-53 in overtime in district semifinal.
* Player to watch: Junior guard/forward Brianna Hawkins, who started as a freshman, was out with a knee injury last season but is the Lady Jackets' leader. The 5-foot-9 Hawkins can play anywhere from shooting guard to power forward and is tough going to the basket.
* Other top players: G/F Chazney Jones (6-0, So., transfer from Indiana); G Kiara Barnes (5-5, Jr.); G Jocelyn Delgado (5-4, Jr.).
* Outlook: There are no seniors on the roster, but most of the juniors have started since they were freshmen. The addition of Jones gives Central some much-needed size. "She is very mobile and quick and will demand lots of attention in and outside of the paint," Franklin said. Central is expected to join Presentation as the top contenders for No. 2 in the district behind Manual. "We are very quick and scrappy, and we have improved on our half-court offensive game," Franklin said.
MANUAL
* Coach: Stacy Pendleton (ninth year).
* Last season: 37-2, beat Marion County 58-54 in state final.
* Player to watch: Kayla Styles will play all five positions for the Lady Crimsons. The 6-2 Xavier signee averaged six points and six rebounds last season and should see those numbers jump dramatically.
* Other top players: G Destony Curry (5-8, Sr., 6.7 ppg), G Morgan Allen (5-9, Sr., 4.9 ppg), G Katie Long (5-7, Sr., 3.0 ppg), G Teanna Curry (5-5, So., 3.9 ppg) F/C Tabitha Mitchell (6-1, Jr., 5.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg).
* Outlook: The Lady Crimsons lost four starters to major colleges but figure to be in contention for another state title behind their athleticism. "With the infusion of an exceptional freshman class, we are going to surprise some people by the end of the season," Pendleton said. "This could be my best team as far as rebounding and defense goes." Styles should have a big season, and Destony Curry is a big-time scorer who has signed with Bellarmine. Pendleton also is high on freshmen Krys McCune, who played as an eighth-grader at Jeffersontown last season, and Jaeda Coffey.
PRESENTATION
* Coach: David Jackson (11th year).
* Last season: 16-16, lost to Assumption 58-53 in Seventh Region quarterfinal.
* Player to watch: Senior guard/forward Meredith Degner (6.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg) is the only one of the top four scorers to return. She'll be counted on to increase her scoring significantly.
* Other top players: G-F Peyton Andres (Sr.), G Aliyah Johnson (Jr.), PG Tracey Lindsey (So.), C Alex Hibbs (So.).
* Outlook: The Toppers must replace three of their top four scorers and four of their top five rebounders. Only five players have much varsity experience, so depth could be a major issue. Jackson expects big things from sophomores Lauren Koenig, Amelia Kolb and Emily Schroeder and freshmen Kylie Kasselbaum and Lindsay Reynolds.
SHAWNEE
* Coach: Andwele French (second year).
* Last season: 4-24, lost to Manual 84-19 in district semifinal.
* Player to watch: Senior center Derrickecia Cooper pulled in eight rebounds a game last season.
* Other top players: F J'ene Cunningham (Sr.), G Reychelle Adams (Sr.).
* Outlook: French will lean on Cooper to average double figures in scoring and rebounding. The roster has more names on it than ever, with 22 players listed for the Lady Eagles. "Our future looks bright," French said.
ST. FRANCIS
* Coach: Edwin DeJesus (second year).
* Last season: 0-13, lost to Presentation 82-18 in district opener.
* Player to watch: Senior guard-forward Ana Zapata (3.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg) is the leading returning scorer.
* Other top players: F Tyneisha Carter (Sr.), C Mariah Curtis (Jr.), Allyson Majors (So.), PG Jessie Lowe (Jr.), F Lily Tierney (So.).
* Outlook: One win would surpass last season's total, but that win could be elusive for the Wyverns. The returning players averaged only 5.6 points combined. Zapata is the only returner who posted more points than personal fouls.
ASSUMPTION
* Coach: Steve Small (second year).
* Last season: 17-14, lost to Manual 65-43 in Seventh Region final.
* Player to watch: Nora Kiesler, a 6-6 center, has emerged as one of the state's top sophomores after giving up volleyball to focus on basketball. She averaged 13 points and 10 rebounds as a freshman and already is receiving attention from several major colleges, Small said.
* Other top players: G Dee Dee Sliter (5-7, Sr.); F Katie Friedrich (5-11, Sr., 10 ppg, 7 rpg); F/C Kelsey Kaiser (5-11, Sr., 4.5 ppg, 6 rpg); G Brandy Hunter (5-5, Sr., 5.2 ppg); G Allison Zickel (5-8, Sr., 1.8 ppg); G Erin Mullen (5-7, Sr., 2.3 ppg).
* Outlook: Big things are expected from the Rockets after they went 22-2 during the summer, beating top-ranked Marion County. Sliter missed last season with a knee injury and will be a steady ballhandler at point guard. Hunter, last season's point guard, moves to her natural spot at shooting guard. Friedrich is the unsung hero, doing a little bit of everything. If the Rockets come together as expected, they could knock Manual from atop the region.
BROWN
* Coach: Scott Morton (third year).
* Last season: 7-19, lost to Assumption 94-41 in district semifinal.
* Player to watch: Forward Haley Oakes (5-7, Sr.) should be the top scorer.
* Other top players: F Jordyn Underwood (5-7, Sr.), F-C Abby Flynn (5-9, Sr.), G Terry White (5-0, Fr), F Kylah Bradley (5-8, 8th), F DeAnna Waddell (5-8, Sr.).
* Outlook: When the Lady Bears scored 50 points last season they were 6-0. They were 1-19 when they didn't, so offense obviously is vital. Last season's team featured one junior, three freshmen, an eighth-grader and two seventh-graders. Three seniors -- Underwood, Flynn and Waddell -- return after concentrating on academics as juniors.
COLLEGIATE
* Coach: Tim Pollock (second year).
* Last season: 15-10, lost to Male 58-35 in district semifinal.
* Player to watch: Sophomore point guard Mikaela Wright (14 ppg) was the leading scorer last season and will be counted on as the main scorer and distributor.
* Other top players: SG Bailey Overstreet (So.), PF-C Paige Ganzel (Sr.).
* Outlook: Pollock has a tough act to follow in his second season: The Amazons set a school record for victories and posted their first winning record in four seasons. The roster includes four seniors, two juniors and three sophomores.
MALE
* Coach: Jeff Sparks (third year).
* Last season: 16-14, lost to Christian Academy 52-49 in Seventh Region quarterfinal.
* Player to watch: Senior point guard Jasmine Kraft (5-9) averaged five points, 1.8 steals and 1.7 assists last season.
* Other top players: F Taylor Jackson (So., 5-10).
* Outlook: The Lady Bulldogs lost top two scorers Andrea Owen and Katie Watson to graduation but still have their floor leader in Kraft. Jackson is the leading returning scorer at seven points per game. "We have a lot of young kids," said Sparks, who guided Male to its first regional tournament since 1999. "We're hoping to build off what we've done and get our third winning season in a row."
ATHERTON
* Coach: Woody Murphy (first year).
* Last season: 4-21, lost to Sacred Heart 59-23 in district semifinal.
* Player to watch: G Addison Murphy (5-9, Sr.)
* Other top players: G Sharon Walker (5-9, Sr.), F Mary Oetken (5-7, Jr.), F Jasmine Lewis (5-8 So.), G Latascha Taylor (5-6, Sr.), G Shelby O'Leary (5-6, Sr.)
* Outlook: Murphy, the former junior-varsity coach who replaced Melissa Earley, inherits a team with all five starters back. The two he'll count on most are Murphy and Walker. Last year's team had five juniors but no seniors, so experience should be a benefit.
SACRED HEART
* Coach: Donna Moir (22nd year).
* Last season: 19-13, lost to Assumption 59-57 in double overtime in Seventh Region semifinal.
* Player to watch: Guard Raven Merriweather (5-6, Jr.) is a stat filler, averaging 12.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists last season, and "has improved immensely on defense over the summer," Moir said. "She has matured a great deal and has been a very positive and vocal leader with her younger teammates."
* Other top players: G-F DaiJia Ruffin (5-9, Jr.), G Kristin Matula (5-7, Sr.), G Julia Stough (5-6, Sr.), C Carolina Long (5-10, Sr.).
* Outlook: The Valkyries lost four of their eight-player rotation but have an All-State candidate in Merriweather and an able sidekick in Ruffin. The team will resort to quickness and defensive pressure to make up for a lack of size.
SENECA
* Coach: Latasha Peterson (second year).
* Last season: 11-16, lost to Manual 89-41 in Seventh Region quarterfinal.
* Player to watch: G-F Keaira Pennie (6-2, Sr.) is very versatile and can be explosive.
* Other top players: F Sabrina Jackson (6-3, Sr.), G Jada Grady (5-8, Sr.), G Jenna Meredith (5-7, Sr.), G Hannah Cudgel (5-5, Jr.).
* Outlook: All five starters return, and Peterson says last season's record is misleading. "We lost a lot of games last year because in my first year I was determined to break bad habits," she said. "Look out this year." Jackson provides good moves under the basket and crucial rebounding. Grady is a deft outside shooter, Cudgel brings speed and Meredith makes the key plays at both ends.
WAGGENER
* Coach: Maurice Ponder (third year).
* Last season: 15-13, lost to Seneca 71-61 in district semifinal.
* Player to watch: Point guard Jada Jackson (5-9, Jr.) is the floor leader who made second-team all-district last season.
* Other top players: G Stephanie Woolridge (5-8, So.), C Alex Peden (6-2, So.)
* Outlook: The Lady Wildcats lost only one starter. "We're just trying to improve from last year," Ponder said. "Our goal is to compete for the district. Sacred Heart is tough to deal with, but we hope to make it to the championship game. Once you get there, anything can happen."
* Coach: Ashley Franklin (fifth year).
* Last season: 12-14, lost to Presentation 58-53 in overtime in district semifinal.
* Player to watch: Junior guard/forward Brianna Hawkins, who started as a freshman, was out with a knee injury last season but is the Lady Jackets' leader. The 5-foot-9 Hawkins can play anywhere from shooting guard to power forward and is tough going to the basket.
* Other top players: G/F Chazney Jones (6-0, So., transfer from Indiana); G Kiara Barnes (5-5, Jr.); G Jocelyn Delgado (5-4, Jr.).
* Outlook: There are no seniors on the roster, but most of the juniors have started since they were freshmen. The addition of Jones gives Central some much-needed size. "She is very mobile and quick and will demand lots of attention in and outside of the paint," Franklin said. Central is expected to join Presentation as the top contenders for No. 2 in the district behind Manual. "We are very quick and scrappy, and we have improved on our half-court offensive game," Franklin said.
MANUAL
* Coach: Stacy Pendleton (ninth year).
* Last season: 37-2, beat Marion County 58-54 in state final.
* Player to watch: Kayla Styles will play all five positions for the Lady Crimsons. The 6-2 Xavier signee averaged six points and six rebounds last season and should see those numbers jump dramatically.
* Other top players: G Destony Curry (5-8, Sr., 6.7 ppg), G Morgan Allen (5-9, Sr., 4.9 ppg), G Katie Long (5-7, Sr., 3.0 ppg), G Teanna Curry (5-5, So., 3.9 ppg) F/C Tabitha Mitchell (6-1, Jr., 5.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg).
* Outlook: The Lady Crimsons lost four starters to major colleges but figure to be in contention for another state title behind their athleticism. "With the infusion of an exceptional freshman class, we are going to surprise some people by the end of the season," Pendleton said. "This could be my best team as far as rebounding and defense goes." Styles should have a big season, and Destony Curry is a big-time scorer who has signed with Bellarmine. Pendleton also is high on freshmen Krys McCune, who played as an eighth-grader at Jeffersontown last season, and Jaeda Coffey.
PRESENTATION
* Coach: David Jackson (11th year).
* Last season: 16-16, lost to Assumption 58-53 in Seventh Region quarterfinal.
* Player to watch: Senior guard/forward Meredith Degner (6.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg) is the only one of the top four scorers to return. She'll be counted on to increase her scoring significantly.
* Other top players: G-F Peyton Andres (Sr.), G Aliyah Johnson (Jr.), PG Tracey Lindsey (So.), C Alex Hibbs (So.).
* Outlook: The Toppers must replace three of their top four scorers and four of their top five rebounders. Only five players have much varsity experience, so depth could be a major issue. Jackson expects big things from sophomores Lauren Koenig, Amelia Kolb and Emily Schroeder and freshmen Kylie Kasselbaum and Lindsay Reynolds.
SHAWNEE
* Coach: Andwele French (second year).
* Last season: 4-24, lost to Manual 84-19 in district semifinal.
* Player to watch: Senior center Derrickecia Cooper pulled in eight rebounds a game last season.
* Other top players: F J'ene Cunningham (Sr.), G Reychelle Adams (Sr.).
* Outlook: French will lean on Cooper to average double figures in scoring and rebounding. The roster has more names on it than ever, with 22 players listed for the Lady Eagles. "Our future looks bright," French said.
ST. FRANCIS
* Coach: Edwin DeJesus (second year).
* Last season: 0-13, lost to Presentation 82-18 in district opener.
* Player to watch: Senior guard-forward Ana Zapata (3.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg) is the leading returning scorer.
* Other top players: F Tyneisha Carter (Sr.), C Mariah Curtis (Jr.), Allyson Majors (So.), PG Jessie Lowe (Jr.), F Lily Tierney (So.).
* Outlook: One win would surpass last season's total, but that win could be elusive for the Wyverns. The returning players averaged only 5.6 points combined. Zapata is the only returner who posted more points than personal fouls.
ASSUMPTION
* Coach: Steve Small (second year).
* Last season: 17-14, lost to Manual 65-43 in Seventh Region final.
* Player to watch: Nora Kiesler, a 6-6 center, has emerged as one of the state's top sophomores after giving up volleyball to focus on basketball. She averaged 13 points and 10 rebounds as a freshman and already is receiving attention from several major colleges, Small said.
* Other top players: G Dee Dee Sliter (5-7, Sr.); F Katie Friedrich (5-11, Sr., 10 ppg, 7 rpg); F/C Kelsey Kaiser (5-11, Sr., 4.5 ppg, 6 rpg); G Brandy Hunter (5-5, Sr., 5.2 ppg); G Allison Zickel (5-8, Sr., 1.8 ppg); G Erin Mullen (5-7, Sr., 2.3 ppg).
* Outlook: Big things are expected from the Rockets after they went 22-2 during the summer, beating top-ranked Marion County. Sliter missed last season with a knee injury and will be a steady ballhandler at point guard. Hunter, last season's point guard, moves to her natural spot at shooting guard. Friedrich is the unsung hero, doing a little bit of everything. If the Rockets come together as expected, they could knock Manual from atop the region.
BROWN
* Coach: Scott Morton (third year).
* Last season: 7-19, lost to Assumption 94-41 in district semifinal.
* Player to watch: Forward Haley Oakes (5-7, Sr.) should be the top scorer.
* Other top players: F Jordyn Underwood (5-7, Sr.), F-C Abby Flynn (5-9, Sr.), G Terry White (5-0, Fr), F Kylah Bradley (5-8, 8th), F DeAnna Waddell (5-8, Sr.).
* Outlook: When the Lady Bears scored 50 points last season they were 6-0. They were 1-19 when they didn't, so offense obviously is vital. Last season's team featured one junior, three freshmen, an eighth-grader and two seventh-graders. Three seniors -- Underwood, Flynn and Waddell -- return after concentrating on academics as juniors.
COLLEGIATE
* Coach: Tim Pollock (second year).
* Last season: 15-10, lost to Male 58-35 in district semifinal.
* Player to watch: Sophomore point guard Mikaela Wright (14 ppg) was the leading scorer last season and will be counted on as the main scorer and distributor.
* Other top players: SG Bailey Overstreet (So.), PF-C Paige Ganzel (Sr.).
* Outlook: Pollock has a tough act to follow in his second season: The Amazons set a school record for victories and posted their first winning record in four seasons. The roster includes four seniors, two juniors and three sophomores.
MALE
* Coach: Jeff Sparks (third year).
* Last season: 16-14, lost to Christian Academy 52-49 in Seventh Region quarterfinal.
* Player to watch: Senior point guard Jasmine Kraft (5-9) averaged five points, 1.8 steals and 1.7 assists last season.
* Other top players: F Taylor Jackson (So., 5-10).
* Outlook: The Lady Bulldogs lost top two scorers Andrea Owen and Katie Watson to graduation but still have their floor leader in Kraft. Jackson is the leading returning scorer at seven points per game. "We have a lot of young kids," said Sparks, who guided Male to its first regional tournament since 1999. "We're hoping to build off what we've done and get our third winning season in a row."
ATHERTON
* Coach: Woody Murphy (first year).
* Last season: 4-21, lost to Sacred Heart 59-23 in district semifinal.
* Player to watch: G Addison Murphy (5-9, Sr.)
* Other top players: G Sharon Walker (5-9, Sr.), F Mary Oetken (5-7, Jr.), F Jasmine Lewis (5-8 So.), G Latascha Taylor (5-6, Sr.), G Shelby O'Leary (5-6, Sr.)
* Outlook: Murphy, the former junior-varsity coach who replaced Melissa Earley, inherits a team with all five starters back. The two he'll count on most are Murphy and Walker. Last year's team had five juniors but no seniors, so experience should be a benefit.
SACRED HEART
* Coach: Donna Moir (22nd year).
* Last season: 19-13, lost to Assumption 59-57 in double overtime in Seventh Region semifinal.
* Player to watch: Guard Raven Merriweather (5-6, Jr.) is a stat filler, averaging 12.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists last season, and "has improved immensely on defense over the summer," Moir said. "She has matured a great deal and has been a very positive and vocal leader with her younger teammates."
* Other top players: G-F DaiJia Ruffin (5-9, Jr.), G Kristin Matula (5-7, Sr.), G Julia Stough (5-6, Sr.), C Carolina Long (5-10, Sr.).
* Outlook: The Valkyries lost four of their eight-player rotation but have an All-State candidate in Merriweather and an able sidekick in Ruffin. The team will resort to quickness and defensive pressure to make up for a lack of size.
SENECA
* Coach: Latasha Peterson (second year).
* Last season: 11-16, lost to Manual 89-41 in Seventh Region quarterfinal.
* Player to watch: G-F Keaira Pennie (6-2, Sr.) is very versatile and can be explosive.
* Other top players: F Sabrina Jackson (6-3, Sr.), G Jada Grady (5-8, Sr.), G Jenna Meredith (5-7, Sr.), G Hannah Cudgel (5-5, Jr.).
* Outlook: All five starters return, and Peterson says last season's record is misleading. "We lost a lot of games last year because in my first year I was determined to break bad habits," she said. "Look out this year." Jackson provides good moves under the basket and crucial rebounding. Grady is a deft outside shooter, Cudgel brings speed and Meredith makes the key plays at both ends.
WAGGENER
* Coach: Maurice Ponder (third year).
* Last season: 15-13, lost to Seneca 71-61 in district semifinal.
* Player to watch: Point guard Jada Jackson (5-9, Jr.) is the floor leader who made second-team all-district last season.
* Other top players: G Stephanie Woolridge (5-8, So.), C Alex Peden (6-2, So.)
* Outlook: The Lady Wildcats lost only one starter. "We're just trying to improve from last year," Ponder said. "Our goal is to compete for the district. Sacred Heart is tough to deal with, but we hope to make it to the championship game. Once you get there, anything can happen."
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11-16-2012, 05:33 PM
BALLARD
* Coach: Frank Wright (first year).
* Last season: 22-10, lost to Sacred Heart 65-60 in Seventh Region quarterfinal.
* Player to watch: Senior post player Tearra Banks, who has committed to Austin Peay, sat out last season after transferring from Shawnee and should give the Lady Bruins an imposing presence inside. "She's light on her feet, has real good hands and has a decent touch," Wright said.
* Other top players: G Alex Martin (5-7, So., 12.0 ppg); F Javonna Layfield (5-10, Jr., 9.5 ppg, 9.3 rpg); G Dre'a Matchen (5-9, Jr., 10.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg); F Kiana Richardson (5-10, Jr., 9.1 ppg, 6.7 rpg); F Maddie Martin (6-2, Sr., 5.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg).
* Outlook: Rivals coaches call Ballard the most athletic team in the region. Martin emerged as one of the city's top guards as a freshman. Layfield had an outstanding freshman season but was limited to just 11 games as a sophomore because of an injury. Wright was successful at South Oldham and has the talent to accomplish big things at Ballard. "We just have to form a unit, and we're working hard on that every day," he said.
CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
* Coach: Don Rice (12th year).
* Last season: 21-13, lost to Manual 80-27 in Seventh Region semifinals.
* Player to watch: Rice calls senior guard China Dow (5-10) "one of the best players ever to come out of CAL." Dow, who has committed to Middle Tennessee State, led the state in scoring at 23.2 points a game last season and also averaged 11.1 rebounds.
* Other top players: G Kate Joss (5-8, Sr.); G Chalisa Helm (5-7, Sr.); G Lindsey Dunn (5-6, Jr.); F McKenzie Campbell (6-0, Jr.).
* Outlook: The Lady Centurions "made the commitment this summer to redeem (themselves) from the way we played our last game," Rice said of the blowout loss to Manual. "We have so much more to offer this year with our senior leadership and the young players that joined us this year. We will be fun to watch." He says Joss, who is back after a yearlong injury, "will give us outside shooting we didn't have last year."
EASTERN
* Coach: Josh Leslie (first year).
* Last season: 11-16, lost to Christian Academy 59-47 in district semifinal.
* Player to watch: Senior center Alexia Kimbro.
* Other top players: G Jade Spaulding (Jr.), G Skylar Teasley (Sr.), G Taylor Bradley (Sr.), F Maddie Hoffman (Jr.), G Sydney Fone (Jr.), Madison Raque, Markeia Porter.
* Outlook: "Our team should be one that is deep at all positions and works very hard," Leslie said. "We should be competitive through a tough schedule." Newcomers Raque and Porter are expected to contribute, but there is a lot of experience in seniors Kimbro, Teasley and Bradley and juniors Spaulding, Fone and Hoffman.
KENTUCKY COUNTRY DAY
* Coach: Harry Hayes (first year).
* Last season: 12-19, lost to Ballard 82-40 in district semifinal.
* Player to watch: G Kennedy Hayes (So.)
* Other top players: F Olivia Alford (Sr.), Anna Zappone (Sr.), Sarah Zappone (Jr.).
* Outlook: Coach Hayes says the Bearcats could be on the verge of a special season, with a deep bench of freshmen and sophomores to go with the returning players. But they have a lot of ground to make up -- 11 of those 19 losses were by 30 points or more, and four were by at least 40.
http://www.usatodayhss.com/louisville/ar...2311150108
* Coach: Frank Wright (first year).
* Last season: 22-10, lost to Sacred Heart 65-60 in Seventh Region quarterfinal.
* Player to watch: Senior post player Tearra Banks, who has committed to Austin Peay, sat out last season after transferring from Shawnee and should give the Lady Bruins an imposing presence inside. "She's light on her feet, has real good hands and has a decent touch," Wright said.
* Other top players: G Alex Martin (5-7, So., 12.0 ppg); F Javonna Layfield (5-10, Jr., 9.5 ppg, 9.3 rpg); G Dre'a Matchen (5-9, Jr., 10.4 ppg, 5.2 rpg); F Kiana Richardson (5-10, Jr., 9.1 ppg, 6.7 rpg); F Maddie Martin (6-2, Sr., 5.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg).
* Outlook: Rivals coaches call Ballard the most athletic team in the region. Martin emerged as one of the city's top guards as a freshman. Layfield had an outstanding freshman season but was limited to just 11 games as a sophomore because of an injury. Wright was successful at South Oldham and has the talent to accomplish big things at Ballard. "We just have to form a unit, and we're working hard on that every day," he said.
CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
* Coach: Don Rice (12th year).
* Last season: 21-13, lost to Manual 80-27 in Seventh Region semifinals.
* Player to watch: Rice calls senior guard China Dow (5-10) "one of the best players ever to come out of CAL." Dow, who has committed to Middle Tennessee State, led the state in scoring at 23.2 points a game last season and also averaged 11.1 rebounds.
* Other top players: G Kate Joss (5-8, Sr.); G Chalisa Helm (5-7, Sr.); G Lindsey Dunn (5-6, Jr.); F McKenzie Campbell (6-0, Jr.).
* Outlook: The Lady Centurions "made the commitment this summer to redeem (themselves) from the way we played our last game," Rice said of the blowout loss to Manual. "We have so much more to offer this year with our senior leadership and the young players that joined us this year. We will be fun to watch." He says Joss, who is back after a yearlong injury, "will give us outside shooting we didn't have last year."
EASTERN
* Coach: Josh Leslie (first year).
* Last season: 11-16, lost to Christian Academy 59-47 in district semifinal.
* Player to watch: Senior center Alexia Kimbro.
* Other top players: G Jade Spaulding (Jr.), G Skylar Teasley (Sr.), G Taylor Bradley (Sr.), F Maddie Hoffman (Jr.), G Sydney Fone (Jr.), Madison Raque, Markeia Porter.
* Outlook: "Our team should be one that is deep at all positions and works very hard," Leslie said. "We should be competitive through a tough schedule." Newcomers Raque and Porter are expected to contribute, but there is a lot of experience in seniors Kimbro, Teasley and Bradley and juniors Spaulding, Fone and Hoffman.
KENTUCKY COUNTRY DAY
* Coach: Harry Hayes (first year).
* Last season: 12-19, lost to Ballard 82-40 in district semifinal.
* Player to watch: G Kennedy Hayes (So.)
* Other top players: F Olivia Alford (Sr.), Anna Zappone (Sr.), Sarah Zappone (Jr.).
* Outlook: Coach Hayes says the Bearcats could be on the verge of a special season, with a deep bench of freshmen and sophomores to go with the returning players. But they have a lot of ground to make up -- 11 of those 19 losses were by 30 points or more, and four were by at least 40.
http://www.usatodayhss.com/louisville/ar...2311150108
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