Although he believes that his young team may take some time to get on track, Switzerland County Lady Pacer varsity basketball coach Wayne Ellegood is looking forward to the season with squad.
Even with early season jitters to overcome, Coach Ellegood says that the members of this year’s team have always been part of a winning program; and he expects to be a winning team once again.
This is the beginning of Coach Ellegood’s 19th varsity season of coaching this year; and he believes that he is going to have a competitive team – and hopefully a team that will stay injury-free thoughout the season.
It is a team that he believes is only going to improve with each game.
There are only nine varsity players as the season gets underway, but the Lady Pacer coaching staff believes that the team is deep and has the makeup to be successful. Here’s a look at this year’s squad:
– Senior Ashley Bright is a two year starter with lots of experience; having earned All Conference honors last year. Coach Ellegood looks forward to her leadership with the team.
– Brittney Hall is also a senior this year, and has been playing several years and is very knowledgeable. Coach Ellegood says she will be able to help in several different positions.
– Junior Courtney Cole is coming off of a knee surgery that she suffered last year, and Coach Ellegood believes this is her year to come out and be one of the better players in the area.
– April Thieman another junior who was forced to play a lot last year because of injuries; and Wayne Ellegood believes she has a good understanding of the game. She does a little bit of everything and Coach Ellegood looks forward to her scoring more this year.
– Tanya Sefton another junior who Coach Ellegood believes has a lot of ability and is a great athlete. He believes she has improved over the summer and hopes that she can stay in control and make good decisions for a great season.
– Junior Amber Smith was the Most Valuable Player of the Rivertown Classic tournament last year, and the Lady Pacer coaching staff is counting on her to help the team offensively. He said she has the ability to be a great player and has a good career in front of her.
– Morgan Ross also a junior who is going to be a key player for this year’s team. Coach Ellegood said she has improved immesley and is a very aggressive player. She is one of the taller girls on the squad, and will be one of the key rebounders this season.
– Junior Megan McCarty is another agressive player and has great speed, her coach said. She is a good all-around player who can be used in many different roles.
– Shana Todd one of the taller players on this year’s team, and Coach Ellegood said she will spend some time on the jayvee squad to make sure she’s gets plenty of playing time. Her coach says that she has improved a lot and is a defender in the post position.