Conference: 4A-7
Coach: Lynn Rook, in his 18th year as coach
Assistant coach: Jenny Coon
2012-13 record: 10-16
Returning starters: There are three returning starters on this year’s Lady Badgers, coach Lynn Rook said. Kelsey Cobe, a 6-foot senior center is a “very strong player with finesse,” Rook said. She has a touch for shooting and is becoming an effective defensive player who can block shots without fouling, the coach said. The other returning player is Angelique Robinson, a 5-7 senior guard. “She is very quick and gets the ball into the hole and creates her own shot,” Rook said. She also adapts well on defense. Another senior, Chasity Burris, a 5-6 forward, was a starter as a sophomore but sustained a knee injury two weeks into her junior season. “We are anxious to have her back. She is even faster than before, and we expect good things from her.”
Best inside players: Cobe will work the inside, along with senior Amarya Jones, a 5-6 forward. The coach said Jones is undersized for post play but can mix it up inside and can handle the ball with both her right and left hands. Also working inside is Brenna Smith, a 5-9 junior who is versatile but will see most of her action inside at the No. 1 position.
Best outside players: Robinson and Burris will be working with Kaylee Jo Bridges, 5-4, on the perimeter. “Kaylee Jo will be an offensive spark with the 3-point shot.” Another junior, Courtney Lewis, 5-5, will see action at point guard, and Rook said there are several sophomores coming up this season who will also see playing time.
How will you match/exceed/fall short of your success from last year? “There will be more experience. The seniors have all been playing two or three years on the varsity,” coach Rook said. “The team also seems to have a lot of versatility, which will give us the opportunity to have some depth, allowing us to play a more uptempo style of play.”
Team strengths: Rook said the ability of the players to adjust to multiple assignments gives the team the opportunity to do different things within a game.
Team weaknesses: There are still many unproven shooters on the team, especially from the outside. “That will have to develop as the season goes along,” the coach said.
Toughest opponent: Malvern
Games to watch: The entire conference lineup, which Rook said is among the toughest from top to bottom in the state. He said CAC, Bauxite and Nashville will be especially hard but that his players will have to respect every team.
In a nutshell: Rook said the team’s uptempo pace will put more pressure on their opponents’ offenses, while the Badgers will rely on their athleticism to score points.