Lady Trojans putting in work

News-Times
News-Times

With softball and various camps, Parkers Chapel girls’ basketball coach Justin Welch knew there was a chance he’d be shorthanded during summer team activities. It could be a blessing as others have taken advantage of opportunities to play.

The Lady Trojans participated in team camps at Lafayette County and Drew Central last week. PC went to Lafayette County on Tuesday and Wednesday and to Monticello on Friday and Saturday.

“I thought we played pretty well. We didn’t have certain individuals for various reasons. We were really forward and center heavy. It just kind of worked out that way. The guards got a lot of work these past few days,” said Welch, who had three guards, Ali Looney, Macie Wood and sophomore Tess Monteith on Tuesday. Wood and Monteith were the only guards available at Drew Central with junior forward Taylor Fortune forced into action in the backcourt.

Welch thought his guards held up and said Monteith showed promise in her first taste of varsity action.

“She’s a sophomore. She has really good ball handling ability. She helped us out a lot,” he said. “I saw a lot of good things this week from her. She stepped up and scored some points and she distributed the ball really well. I’m excited about that.”

Welch also praised the effort of some of his older players, who could be the leaders on a, suddenly, deep roster.

“I thought it was a chance for other kids,” Welch said. “It gave some other girls some opportunities to show what they could do in game situations. Several of them took advantage of it. I think that strengthens us. Jazmyne Malone has been there every day except for (Saturday). She had to take the ACT. She’s a senior for us. She had a really good camp. She’s starting to grasp the offense. I thought she did a really good job of stepping in there and making things happen. Kamryn Cross is our other senior. She had a good camp. She’s a workhorse. She works hard and runs the court. I think we’ll see some bright things out of her this year. She’s putting in a little more time with basketball.

“With girls having to step up and play positions they’re not familiar and still being successful, that has me excited about it. That means I’ve got some girls that are versatile. I’m hoping that rolls over into the season where we’re able to substitute pretty regularly and keep ‘em fresh so they’re not making those mental mistakes that’ll get you beat. I’m excited about the depth.”

The Lady Trojans finished the season strong, advancing to the regional tournament as a sixth seed in district. The team hopes that momentum rolls into the summer and then into next season.

“I thought we showed up in better shape than we have in the past. I think the girls are putting in some time, getting better on their own,” said Welch. “I think we’ll start to see that correlate into success on the court. I’m really excited about this upcoming season. I’m ready to get it going right now if I could. I think the girls feel the same way.”

The Lady Trojans have one more camp scheduled for Drew Central next week.

Upcoming Events