A big task is at hand for the Gentry High Lady Rams basketball team.
However, despite being faced with replacing three starters off last season’s highly successful 23-6 season, third year Head Coach Sarita Cooper-White is optimistic about her 2019-20 squad.
“Our biggest weakness this season is experience,” said Cooper-White. “However, with the potential that we have I am excited about what’s to come. It is all about trusting the process.”
Last season, the Lady Rams advanced to the second round of the 4A state playoffs before seeing their season end.
This season’s long trek toward reaching that level of playoff competition next March will begin tonight at 6 p.m. when the Lady Rams travel to Clinton High School to take on the Lady Arrows.
This game will then be followed by next Tuesday’s home court 6 p.m. battle against Amanda Elzy High School of Greenwood.
When discussing her team’s projected strengths, Cooper-White feels good about the Lady Rams’ “on ball defense and rebounding. We are aiming to make teams work for every shot that they take while limiting their chances.”
As for this year’s returning starters, the Lady Rams have Shakori Dawson and Combo guard Jaidra Green returning who, according to Coach Cooper-White “both played exceptionally well last year.”
Additional impactful play is expected to come from sophomore Amber Curtis and Darlisicia Coleman, both of whom Cooper-White observed “have matured tremendously from last year and are expected to be a veteran voice and help lead this year.”
Excitement is also apparent in Cooper -White when she talks about the potential depth of this year’s team and the future of Lady Rams basketball. “I also have a new freshman five who’s working hard everyday and is eager to learn and get better. They will have a great future as Lady Rams,” said Coach Cooper-White.
