Conference: 2-3A
Coach: Mandy Goodwin, 12th year at school
Assistant coach: None
2012-2013 record: 13-13 overall, 2-8 in conference play
Returning starters: Goodwin may have one of her more talented teams this year at Rose Bud. She’s just hoping that translates into victories. The Lady Ramblers lost a number of key players off last year’s team but return several that gained notable experience. Goodwin isn’t quite sure who’ll actually be in the starting lineup when the season kicks off, but she’s got a stable of options. Senior point guard Alexis Jackson, 5-foot-6, is definitely one of Rose Bud’s top players. “She’s a dandy,” Goodwin said. “I’m really looking for her to have an outstanding season, I really am.” The longtime coach will have several other seniors that she’s anticipating big things from, including small forwards Bailee Burchfield, 5-8, and Randi Hartwick, 5-7.
Best inside players: Natalie Sherwood, 5-10, could become Rose Bud’s top post player, but sophomores Raven Ide, 6-0, and Allie Banks, 5-8, along with junior Tess Capps, 5-11, should provide the team with added depth and physicality.
Best outside players: Jackson and Burchfield are Goodwin’s biggest offensive threats on the perimeter, and both have the ability to score.
How will you match/exceed/fall short of your success from last year?: Goodwin has been around the program long enough to know that potential and talent don’t always translate into success. The girls have to play as a team every night. “They’re used to playing with each other, and that should help us out a lot,” she said. “We had a decent season last year, which really didn’t show in conference play, but we had to overcome a lot of things.”
Team strengths: Rose Bud will be a senior-laden bunch this season, and that gives Goodwin reason to be optimistic. “That kind of experience is key for any team, especially us,” she said. “They’ve played well together in the past and hopefully will continue to do so. Also, we’ve got size this year, which is something that we haven’t always had. Both of those things should help us.”
Team weaknesses: The one area that the Lady Ramblers need to improve in, according to Goodwin, is their defense. “We have to get better there,” she explained. “We want to play good defense every possession, but we have to put forth that effort. We’ve got to improve our aggressiveness like boxing out and going to get rebounds. Those things can make a difference.”
Games to watch: Like their male counterparts, the Nemo Vista Tournament (Dec. 2-7) and the Greers Ferry Lake Classic (Dec. 27-30) will be telltale indicators for her team, especially against expanded competition. Rose Bud will also play in a tournament over the Christmas break. However, Goodwin and her team will open up the season Nov. 9 against Cedar Ridge.
Toughest opponent: Harding Academy and Riverview both return a wealth of talent from last year, providing Goodwin and her team at least four opportunities to test themselves in conference play. “They’re without a doubt the top two right now,” she said. “We’ll have our work cut out for us.”
College prospects: Jackson’s ability to direct her team as a true point guard will possibly lead to college inquiries.
In a nutshell: Goodwin, like every coach, wants to win a state title. But she also understands that there is a process in getting there. “We want to get better and better as the season goes,” she said. “I would love to make it to regionals, reach the state tournament; but it starts in the district. We want to do better than what we did last season in conference and realistically, I think we can do that. As long as there is steady improvement, good things can happen.”