Lady Wolves Hungry For 3A State Title
Posted: November 12, 2009 at 4:53 a.m.
Lincoln coach Deon Birkes calls himself a “realist,” and he admits the expectations for his girls basketball team are rather lofty.
In fact, they can’t get much higher.
But the Wolves believe a Class 3A state championship is obtainable, especially since three of their top four scorers from last year’s 25-5 team return hungry for a chance to redeem themselves following a first-round loss in the state tournament.
“We expect a lot of things. These kids are pretty determined this year to go back to the state tournament and cause a little damage,” Birkes said. “I mean, for them to say a state championship’s in their grasp, they’re not just out there speaking it. They’re out there walking it and trying to prove it.”
Of course, the Lady Wolves must first get through the Class 3A-1 West Conference. But the road to a conference title will likely run through Lincoln.
Point guard Tonya Villines, a four-year starter, will again be leading a fast-paced offense that should include a few new wrinkles this season. She’s capable of shooting, passing and keeping opposing teams off-balance.
“You always have to have a little extra in your grab bag, but you don’t always have to show it until you need it,” Birkes said of the slight changes to the offense. “So we work hard on it in practice. We’re always adding twists to it.”
But some things remain the same.
Lincoln returns five of its top eight players from last season, including three starters and its first player off the bench.
Guard Hanna Perkins enters her senior season as a 3-point threat to go along with the versatility of 5-foot-11 guard/forward Rashelle Goldman, who can battle in the paint or shoot from the perimeter.
Elkins, which shared the 3A-1 title with Lincoln last year, returns a wealth of players and will challenge for top honors again. Maddi Grube, Katelyn Brown and Holly Dingledine will lead the Lady Elks.
Greenland and Green Forest could also be in the mix.
3A-1 West Conference
Girls
Cedarville
Mountainburg
Elkins
Lincoln
Green Forest
(Advertisement)
« Previous Story
League Appears Even
Greenland coach Jared Gobel described his team’s style of play as “opportunistic,” which is his way of saying the Pirates will run the fast break if given the chance. Read »
Next Story »
Springdale Receivers Benefit From Spreading B...
Blake Fogg likes the kind of variety Springdale High has in its passing game, especially when it comes to its receivers. Read »
Comments
To report abuse or misuse of this area please hit the "Suggest Removal" link in the comment to alert our online managers. Please read our comment policy.
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Registration is required to make comments. Click here to LOGIN.
You can register for FREE to post comments and receive alerts.