LUDOWICI — New Long County High School women’s basketball head coach Ryan Bailey is focusing a lot of hope on his team’s guards.
“I am particularly looking for a strong season out of my guards. Point guard Brittany Mills is a flat-out athlete. There is no doubt in my mind that she will accumulate stats,” Bailey said. “I am focusing on her (Mills) being the floor general and a vocal leader on the court.”
“Shooting guard India Gamble is the type of instinctive player that knows the game of basketball. She is an all-around player, has a good jump shot, can play ball on the floor and plays solid defense.”
But he sees other strong players.
“Caela LaRochester will man the middle. She is a three-year starter and her work ethic and upside is tremendous. We are looking for her to be a strong force blocking shots, getting rebounds and scoring inside.
“Seniors Shenetra Quarterman and Sharika Turner will play the three and four spots, and play an important part to the success of our season,” added the head coach.
According to Bailey, he feels the team’s biggest strength is their confidence.
“Getting young ladies to believe in their ability is half the battle of coaching. We have a solid core of girls who did not have a good win/loss total last year, so reinforcing their basketball self-esteem and getting them to believe that they are good basketball players was my first priority.”
The coach said the bench this year is solid, and the sixth spot is currently up in the air, between Rhea Rose and Brenda Collins.
“Both have good upside and will be strength to our team.”
Bailey said he goals are basic:
“To first play fundamental basketball and by tournament time be ready to compete for one of the play-off spots.”
The starting five for the Lady Tide will be Brittany Mills, Sharika Turner, Shenetra Quarterman, India Gamble and Caela LaRochester.
The Lady Blue Tide begin their season on Saturday, Nov. 22, when they travel to Liberty County to take on the Panthers, tip off is at 6 p.m.