“The Skinny on Girls High School Hoops”

Each year about this time I write a column or two about the local high school hoops scene. You might call it the “State of the County Hoops Address.” Being a gentlemen, I’ll let the ladies go first.

Of the five varsity girl’s teams in the county, one stands head and shoulders above the others. That one would be the Graceville Lady Tigers. As of this past Monday the Lady Tigers are 10-0 under Head Coach John Haboli and look like they picked up right where they left off last year (making it all the way to the Regional Finals before falling to FAMU High). Mychea Williams seems to be the lead scorer but Wynterra Pittman, Tiara Sorey, and Jessica McClendon can all score as well. Brittany Flournoy drives the machine as the primary ball handler.

Not far behind Graceville would have to be the Marianna Lady Bulldogs. Head Coach Chuck Brown has resurrected the Lady Bulldogs program and led the team to the Regional Finals last year. This year’s squad is led in scoring by Sharae Williams. Several other key Lady Bulldogs include Shamiqua Davies, Christina, Tia Bass, Ravin Borders and Temperance Wooden.

Without question the most improved team on the year would have to be the Sneads Lady Pirates. First year Head Coach Tyrone Livingston has infused a new enthusiasm in the program and it shows both on and off the court. It doesn’t hurt either that Sneads has got some ladies that can shoot the hoops. They are led by the trio of LaTilya Baker, Shan Gillette and Jonie Bonine. Down low Meagan Smith patrols the lane and out front Bridgett Dawson runs the floor show.

That leaves two schools and both of them also have new coaches. The Malone Lady Tigers have Kendall and Marcy Murdock as their new coaches, both of whom played for the Lady Tigers. Malone has some good ball players but they are also very young. Vanessa Olds, Venisha Hearns, Shakira Smith and Autumn Speigner have been doing most of the scoring. Tessa Shack has played well and Malone has arguably the best young player in the county in 8th grader Courteanna “Mee Maw” Brelove.

The Cottondale Lady Hornets have a new coach, but a familiar face. Randi Scurlock was a standout athlete at Cottondale a couple of years ago and has returned to her alma mater. Cottondale has been one of the top programs around for the past few years, including several trips to Lakeland for the Final Four. But this would be labeled as a rebuilding year as they have a freshman and sophomore in their starting lineup. They have some experience though in Jakia Grimsley who can score from anywhere. Khadejah Ward and Kieysha Paul handle the ball and can score as well. Syrinna Pope plays down low under the boards.

Simply Put, it should be another fun year of girls high school hoops.

From the front porch: Coach said humbleness is not thinking less of yourself but rather is thinking of yourself less.