2003-04 Team Profiles...

Now that most everyone has participated in one scrimmage, what is the identity of your respective team? Who are the key players? Which players look to be improved from last season? How many of last years JV players look to have a role in your teams success? What style of basketball does your team play? Do they like to run, run, run...or do they like to pound the ball inside?

I thought it would cool to start a thread like this to get a general feeling of how the teams are, the conference and state playoff expectations?

 

Meca 8
West Charlotte -
Of course, everyone knows they'll be returning senior standouts Kisha Granberry, and Ashley Rivens. West Charlotte has a lot of talent this year, but because of their star players, you will not see all of their talent. West Charlotte could go very far in the state if they PLAYED defense, and controlled their attitudes. They will still play their fast pace game. I dont know how in shape they are this year, but if they were in shape like they're supposed to be, they will DESTROY just about any team that they play.
(other players to watch will be Maria Brown and Christal Smith)

Vance
After placing second in the state last year, this team will have the bulls eye on their back. They return 4 of their top players from last year (Monique Dawson, Lauren Coote, Kendria Holmes, and Wendy Stywalt.) They lost two important factors to college, and should still fair well in the state if they play as a team. This year, their going to play an even faster paced game because of their size. And they also have to stay healthy because they arent as deep as they were last year. Ive aslo heard that their top 4 players have improved TREMENDOUSLY, I dont know, but Ill have to go watch to see.
(other players to watch will be Chamon Gayton and Aubrey Turner)

Hopewell
Theres not much to say except that they're going to be an ok team this year. I see them placing 3rd or 4th in the meca 8. They're top players will be soph. Amber Holt, and jr Meredith Legg. Amber is a really great point guard, but you cant see that because her team isnt at her level. Now, Meredith Legg is a 3pt shooter. Thats all shes really good at, but shes good at it. Shes not fast or quick. But she can shoot the 3 ball. When she goes up against Vance or West Charlotte, I dont see her getting all of those opportunities to shoot. Im not knockin her, I just think she needs to work on something other than shooting.

Central Cabarrus
I see them coming in 4th or 5th in the Meca 8.The past two years, they've lost 2 important players (one to college and one to a private school), and lost their hot tempered coach. Right now, all I see working for them is Amber Bramlett who could be one of the best post in Charlotte if she just got in shape.They do have a new guard named Christina Toscano who is pretty good. I dont think theyll make it too far in the states, but should do pretty well in the conference.

The battle for first place will again be between West Charlotte and Vance.

 

Well, I'll try to be as brief as possible on this...


The McDowell Lady Titans return most of last year's western regional runner-up squad. Starting at the top, is last year's NW4A Player of The Year, Anna Atkinson. She averaged about 13 ppg, with 4 steals and 7 assists per game. She is the leader of the pack. McDowell's success will depend on Anna, and I think by what we have seen so far, we will be just fine. I look for her points average to increase quite a bit this season. Assists, steals and other tangables should also increase.

The Lady Titans also return two other starters, wing player Emily Lovik and power forward/center Aimee Kiser. Emily had a good year last year for the Lady Titans. She averaged about 10 ppg, and gathered quite a few rebounds. The thing that makes Emily so tough is her height and the ability to handle the rock as good as the guards. Her 3 point ability, in my opinion has not been realized yet in her two years at McDowell. If I was the opposing team, I don't wanna see #25 getting the hot hand from behind the arc, it could be a long night! But not only can Emily shoot the 3 pointer, she can also drive to the basket very well either in a half-court offense, or in transition. Kiser, who started as the power forward last year, will be playing at center due to the loss of Erin May. Aimee played very well early on in the season, but as the season went on, her offense dropped off. BUT, she still was physical inside, grabbing rebounds when desperately needed.

There are two new faces to the Lady Titans that will make a name for theirselves pretty quickly. One of them is likely gonna starting at the shooting guard position, her name is Laeesha Corpening. This girl is pure energy...no kidding. She can run up and down with the best of them. She plays a very aggressive defense, she can handle the rock very well, and can make plays that other girls can't. As some people say, she is the spark plug for the team. Look for good things from her this year. Also, we have a sophmore on the team who I think before the season is over could be a HUGE key to success in the conference and in playoff action. Her name is Leah Smith. She is a good sized girl, who played inside. She has great foot movement, and can be a dangerous player. The first few games in Varsity may be kinda tough for her, but the experience will play off ten fold come later in the season.

McDowell also has a fairly deep bench. Most of these kids a quite athletic, and play solid fundamental basketball. And for that you can thank the coach for the McDowell Lady Titans, Mr. Mike Silver. In his 29th year of coaching, he is one of the best coaches in the state of NC.


This year is going to be an interesting ride for McDowell, the senior experience of Erin May and Laura Snider are no longer with us, but I think we will adjust just fine. Last year's squad was probably the most balanced squad I have ever seen. Good guards, good post game, good perimeter game, deep bench, excellent coaching. The post game has taken a hit, that I think is the major difference between this year and last years squad. McDowell, believe it or not, is a more athletic team as last year. Nobody will be able to run McDowell out of the gym. Infact, I can think of only one team out there that can run with McDowell, from end to end and that is Vance.

 

bigdan

bigdan, just wanderin, do u have any other interests in any other teams besides mcdowell? or is that like your high school and just always been a fan. i've just not been on here long so i was just wanderin. Do u know anything else about any other teams?

 

I was a graduate to MHS back in 98. I have been a huge fan of basketball for quite long time. I attend pretty much every McDowell game, with the exception of a few. I keep track of stats on my own, but I also use some help from media outlets.

I also try to keep a close eye on other teams in the NW4A conference. I try to attend quite a few games at Freedom every year. I also learn more about other teams by watching various Christmas tourneys. As far as teams in Charlotte, I go by what people on the boards say, and by listening to people like Langston Wertz hype them up. It gives us NW4A fans a lot of motivation in the postseason to play the Charlotte teams, after listening to how great they are.

 

Okay..let me hype a Charlotte team

South Meck-- Deep, talented, young team. Returning 4 starters and has a phenomenal freshman leading from the point.

Joy Cheek-- Soph. Arguably the best player in Charlotte. 6' very strong player that can go inside or out. Worked on her perimeter shot this summer. Joy already has a pro body and can play any position on the court

Betsy Horowitz- another 6' who can go inside or out. Was probably the most consistent player last year and has improved her game over the summer

Susan Wicker- 6"4"-- a major talent but disappointed in her work ethics. She is certainly a project with a great upside potential, but she needs to commit to improving to reach her potential.

South Meck is extremely deep and young. Coach Gaston has a pipeline in the Charlotte area where the top players want to play for the Sabres. His program will be strong for years

 

South Meck is a team that I heard a lot about last year, but never got to see them play. A tall and athletic team to say the least. If they play ball with a team concept, then they could very well be the best team in Charlotte come playoff time. I know Vance is the real deal, West Charlotte is good, but there is too much "I" in that squad.

 

In the RRC North Stanly is returning 4 starters from 02/03. Sr forward Laura Watson, jr pt guard Cam Clark, soph forward Brooke Whitley, and soph center April Benson. Added to the mix this year is fr guard Shamega Hamilton and jr guard Jenna Brooks. The Comets can run, but don't make a whole game of it. Coach Speight is trying to discipline the girls with fundamentals and good decision making. They will mostly run a rotation offense and try to feed the post, but the forwards and guards will take their shots if defended weakly. Point guard can drive/shoot/dish/put up 3's. Foul trouble in the post may be a thorn.