Posted 10:42 pm Monday, November 23, 2009
Lady Lions Face Mount Vernon
By HAROLD WILSON
Staff Writer
The John Tyler girls prepare for another game against a state-ranked foe today at the Lions Den.
Staff Writer
The John Tyler girls prepare for another game against a state-ranked foe today at the Lions Den.
After two games with top 10 teams in the classification, JT entertains Mount Vernon, the No. 19 team in Class 3A. The freshmen play at 5 p.m., followed by the JV at 6:30 p.m. and the varsity following.
The Lady Lions (2-2) lost their first two games against state-ranked teams -- Winnsboro (No. 4 in Class 2A) in the opener and a heartbreaker by three points to Liberty-Eylau (No. 6 in Class 3A) after leading most of the way last Saturday.
A veteran and newcomer lead the team in scoring. Senior Brittany Bush paves the way at 20.3 points per game, followed by freshman point guard Tiaka Lee (11.3). Bush scored 20 against Liberty-Eylau, with Lee chipping in with 18 points.
Seven different players scored and nine saw action for JT against Liberty-Eylau, after only three did so versus Winnsboro.
The JT roster includes a pair of freshmen: Lee and Quaneshia Johnson; two sophomores: Danicia Jasper and LaTifah Rainey; three juniors: Chelsea Black, Ajanay Domena and GabriElla Wilson; and four seniors: Bush, Ashley Hamilton, Tambrika Smith and Kelvicia Warren.
"We've spent a lot of time trying to find out what players' roles are on team," JT girls coach Mike Smith said. "The effort we're showing during games is giving us a chance. Winnsboro will let you know what your weaknesses are. That is the most fun part right now. We've got 11 girls playing varsity. They're all contributing."
Mount Vernon reached the regional semifinals last year, defeating JT 59-43 along the way.
Smith likes playing tough teams now to get ready for the district run.
"We're playing some good folks," Smith said. "We talked about as a team, these three games are so key in finding out if we are on pace to improve enough to be ready for district run."
