Area loaded with guards, and that’s big

By Todd Wills

Give a basketball coach good guards, and most of them will tell you they’re going to win — a lot.

These days, it’s where the game is won.

“They’re the ones pushing the ball down the floor,” Kerens coach Denise Lincoln said. “They’re the ones the get the ball into the post.

“If you have good guards, they will take you further.”

Kerens is led by 5-3 point guard Taneque Williams.

Michelle Jordan and Nicole Kelm, both 5-6, bring quickness and ability to go to the basket.”

“They play real well together,” Lincoln said. “And they know the game.”

Wortham, which is trying to get back to the playoffs after missing them last year, is loaded at guard.

Anna Jones, a 5-5 sophomore, can shoot the 3-pointer. She averaged 8.2 points per game last season.

Two more sophomores for Wortham, Jasmine Bailey and K’undrea Smith, averaged right around two steals per game last year.

“If you have guards who can shoot the ball, you can stretch the defense,” Wortham coach Anthony Branch said.

Hubbard’s Jordan Henderson, Iesha Simmons and Alexis Griffin also form a strong trio of guards.

“They’re just as comfortable at shooting as they are driving, “ new coach Susan Henderson said. “That makes a difference.”

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2009-2010 Daily Sun Area Girls’ Basketball Preview

Blooming Grove

Lady Lions

Coach: Kendra Atkinson

Years at Blooming Grove: 8

2008-2009 Record: 20-10

Last Playoff Appearance: 2007-08

Key Returnees: Laura Bennett, Carly Hoosier, Katie McGraw, Kasey Fisher

Key Losses: Cecilly Phillips, Johnna Smith

Team Strength:

Comment: Atkinson faces a tough rebuilding job without her top two players, Phillips and Smith. Hoosier was second-team all-district last year.

Kerens Lady Bobcats

Coach: Denise Lincoln

Years at Kerens: 5

2008-2009 Record: 23-8

Last Playoff Appearance: 2008-09, regional quarterfinals

Key Returnees: Nicole Kelm, Taneque Williams, Michelle Jordan, Anna Keele, Michelle Bivins

Key Losses: Brianna Lawrence

Team Strength: Quickness, defense

Comment: Kerens started off in practice like they did last year, coach Denise Lincoln said. Jordan is capable of being a big-time shooter. Kelm and Keene are solid and aggressive players. Williams is the ballhandler. “She runs the show,” Lincoln said.

Rice Lady Bulldogs

Coach: Craig Roberson

Years at Rice: 9

2008-2009 Record: N/A

Last Playoff Appearance: 2007-08

Key Returnees: Kenisia Daniels, Stephanie Martin, Alexus Daniels, Sara Rhodes, Allison Barker

Team Strength: Quickness in backcourt. Rice can run.

Comment: The big for Rice is making shots.

Mildred Lady Eagles

Coach: Ronnie Baker

Years at Mildred: 1

2008-2009 Record: N/A

Last Playoff Appearance: 2003-04

Key Returnees: Hanna Muncy, Megan Atkinson, Hilary Vinson, Katie Tapley

Key Losses: Carrie Horn

Team Strength: Post play

Comment: Baker is trying to get to know his team after taking over the Mildred girls basketball team just last month. The Lady Eagles have several solid good young players, including sophomore Tapley. Other sophomores who could contribute include Ashley Bonner, Erica McKissack and Holly Holden.

Wortham Lady Bulldogs

Coach: Anthony Branch

Years at Wortham: 5

2008-2009 Record: 13-13

Last Playoff Appearance: 2007-08

Key Returnees: K’undrea Smith, Anna Jones, Jasmine Bailey, Lauren Libhart

Key Losses: Kara Jantzen, Cara Weempe

Team Strength: Guard play

Comment: Jones, a sophomore, can shoot the 3-pointer (23-of-53 last season). Smith, also a sophomore, brings balance. She scored 6.3 points per game last year, plus she averaged four assists and 2.5 steals.

Frost Lady Polar Bears

Coach: Paul Hargadine

Years at Frost: 7

2008-2009 Record: 10-16

Last Playoff Appearance: 2007-08

Key Returnees: Krystal Jackson

Team Strength: Experience

Comment: Frost returns four starters, so the Lady Polar Bears should be solid right from the start of the season.

Dawson Lady Bulldogs

Coach: Christina Reyna

Years at Dawson: 2

2008-2009 Record: N/A

Last Playoff Appearance: 1998-99

Key Returnees: Reagan Woodall, Rachel Ivey

Team Strength: N/A

Comment: Depth is an issue. Dawson is only at the varsity level this year.

Hubbard Lady Jags

Coach: Susan Henderson

Years at Hubbard: 1

2008-2009 Record: 19-9, bi-district round

Last Playoff Appearance: 2008-09

Key Returnees: Africa Lang, Jordan Henderson, Rayven Cornish, Iesha Simmons, Alexis Griffin

Key Losses: None

Team Strength: Solid starting unit, Driving to the basket, Post play

Comment: Henderson, Cornish and Lang can all score the ball. Simmons, a shooting guard, can also score in double figures.