ROGERS — Rogers High coach Preston Early is going to take the Lady Mounties on a little field trip in between games after Christmas.
Rogers has been invited to play in the 16-team GreenBank Ladies Classic in Greeneville, Tenn. The four-day tourney features some of the top teams in Tennessee and the surrounding states. Rogers is the first team from Arkansas to be extended an invite in the 21 years the tournament has been played.
While in Greeneville, Early is going to load up the bus and take the team to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, which is just south of Greeneville.
When the Lady Mounties tour the Hall of Fame, they will see a familiar jersey hanging in the Ring of Honor. The front of the jersey reads Rogers and the name on the back is Hook. What’s kind of different is that the player is still a member of this year’s team — Morgan Hook, who signed with Oklahoma last month.
After being named the Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year last season, the Hall of Fame requested Hook’s jersey. Each year the Hall of Fame puts 100 jerseys on display. Most of the jerseys represent professional and college players but a few outstanding high school players are also recognized.
“It’s an awesome honor to be associated with anything that has to do with the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame,” Early said. “It’s awesome for her and our program. It's an incredible recognition. In my opinion, they could not have selected a better, more deserving player. Mo (Hook) is more than just a player wearing our jersey; she is a special kid and has made basketball cool to our younger players.
“(Hook) has become a hero to a lot of young girls in our elementary schools that come to our camp. She's the total package on and off the court and we are very proud of her.”
Rogers opens play at the GreenBank tourney against North Greene (6-3) Dec. 28 and Early said the game will be the first of four tough contest for the Lady Mounties.
North Greene junior Mariah Britton has scored 31, 28 and 22 points behind 15 3-pointers in her last three games. Dakota White scored 32 points and grabbed 16 rebounds in a recent game.
Rogers’ second-round opponent will either be Mt. Juliet, Tenn., or Dobyns-Bennett High from Afton, Tenn. Mt. Juliet post Caya Williams (6-foot-3) scored 29 points in a recent game after hitting 12 of 12 field goals.
Also on the Lady Mounties’ side of the bracket is Richmond Cosby, which is ranked No. 1 in Virginia and is led by Virginia signee Jazmin Pitts (6-1). Three of Cosby’s returning starters combined for 50 points and 25 rebounds a game a year ago.
Rogers has played a rugged schedule this season and Early said nothing will change after Christmas.
“We have played some good teams, but we are going to jump up a notch,” Early said. “This is a big-time deal. This tournament has players that will play in college. The teams are athletic and they all have a lot of tradition.
“This is going to be great for us and I know we are going to gain from it.”
PAUL NIELSEN IS A NORTHWEST ARKANSAS NEWSPAPERS SPORTS WRITER. HIS COLUMN APPEARS EACH TUESDAY.