BAUXITE MINERS

By The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

LITTLE ROCK — BOYS Conference: 3A-5 South Coach: Mark Smith Assistant coaches: Matt Ginther (first year) 2008-09 record: 16-12 (fourth in conference) Returning starters: Seniors Travis Woods (6-0) and Austin Hicks (6-2).

Best inside players: 6-6 senior Houston Richey and 6-2 junior Jacob Rice. “Rice is very aggressive and he can also jump really well,” Smith said. “Richey has good size but he is not going to out-rebound people cause he can’t jump very well. He eats up space well inside, which makes him effective.” Best outside players: Woods and 5-10 junior Cody McPherson. “Woods is a big threat on the floor and has a complete game,” Smith said. “He is a good shooter and a slasher who can get to the rim and pass well. Cody is a good ballhandler who can also get to the rim well.” How will you match/exceed/fall short of your success from last year? “They have done a good job at adjusting to my style of play,” Smith said.” “They lost their two top shooters from last year’s team, but I think if they keep working that we have the potentialboth offensively and defensively.” Strengths of the team: “We simply have great hustle and play hard with the desire to win ball games,” Smith said.

Weaknesses of the team: “We have a lack of overall game and team experience,” Smith said.

Games to watch: Arkansas Baptist and Jessieville. Arkansas Baptist comes into the season ranked very high and holding the state title from ’08-’09. They will be tough for the Miners along with the Lions of Jessieville, who are returning some experience as well.

Toughest opponent: “Arkansas Baptist easily, because they are the state champions and are also returning most of last year’s team,” Smith said.

College prospects: “Travis I think has a chance, but it’s hard to tell since it is my first year,” Smith said. “But he has the potential to play at a small college.” In a nutshell: The Miners are faced with new personal and less experience than past years headed into the ’09-’10 season. With senior leadership, the Miners have a chance to compete in a tough 3A conference.

GIRLS Conference: 3A-5 South Coach: Joshua Harrison, fourth year at Bauxite, 44-46 career record Assistant coach: Matt Ginther, first year Last year’s record: 18-13, third in conference, qualified for state tournament Returning starters: Seniors Katie Riddling, 5-7, Amanda Bradbury, 5-7, Jamie Boshears, 6-0, and Megan Creekmore, 5-10.

Best inside players: Boshears and Creekmore and 6-0 senior Amelia Magby. “Jamie makes things happen both offensively and defensively,” Harrison said. Boshears broke her collarbone last year and could not do much of anything with her right hand. She worked on her left hand shot and became much better from that side according to Harrison. “Between Megan and Jamie, we are going to be solid,” Harrison said. The Lady Miners also have 6-0 post Amelia Magby returning after being sidelined with a torn ACL last year.

Best outside players: 5-8 freshman guard Mary Crow. “She is a really good outsideshooter and also good off the dribble,” Harrison said. Crow is just a ninth-grader and has been looked at by the University of Central Arkansas. “She has been my best outside player throughout junior high and eighth grade,” Harrison said.

Strengths of the team: “I think we have good size as far as length and height,” Harrison said. “We have athleticism in both the guard and post spots and no problem with size and pressure on offense and defense.” Weaknesses of the team: “Being able to win the big game is going to be our biggest weaknesses,” Harrison said.

Games to watch: Jessieville and Glen Rose will be huge games for the Lady Miners this season. “Us, Magnet Cove and Arkansas Baptist will be battling all year for second place. That is unless one of us can knock Jessieville down,” Harrison said.

In a nutshell: The Lady Miners bring a strong and intimidating lineup to the court this year. With well-experienced senior leadership and good guard play from the outside, the Lady Miners will be tough to beat for anyone.

MINERS SCHEDULE

Nov. 10 ..................................@ Woodlawn

Nov. 17 .......................................... Des Arc

Nov. 19 .........................Cutter Morning Star

Nov. 24 .................... @ Episcopal Collegiate

Dec. 4 ..........................................Glen Rose

Dec. 8 ....................................... @ Jessieville

Dec. 11 .......................................... @ Atkins

Dec. 14 .................... Benton Harmony Grove

Dec. 18 ...................................... Centerpoint

Jan. 5 ......................................Fountain Lake

Jan. 8 .......................................... Mayflower

Jan. 12 .............................. @ Magnet Cove

Jan. 15 ................................Arkansas BaptistJan. 19 ..................................... @ Glen Rose Jan. 22 ........................................ Jessieville Jan. 26 ..........................Episcopal Collegiate Jan. 29 .............................. @ Fountain Lake Feb. 2 ..................................... @ Mayflower Feb. 5 .....................................Magnet Cove Feb. 10 ......................... @ Arkansas Baptist

Tri-Lakes, Pages 183 on 10/25/2009

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