BRAVETTES ADD SEASONING TO YOUTH

Even when the Scott County Central girls basketball team experiences adversity, the Bravettes still seem to have a season that would make a lot of other teams envious.

Despite dropping their JV team last year due to a lack of numbers and starting two freshmen and a sophomore, Scott County's varsity still managed to compile a 14-12 record and advanced all way to the 1A quarterfinals.

The adversity was just a bump in the road for the Bravettes, one of the most successful teams in the state, winning seven Class 1A state titles since 1982.

The only downside to the JV problem was many younger players did not gain experience, which could affect the depth of this year's team.

But fourth-year coach Semona Penrod does return four starters from last year's squad, including leading scorer Vontrice Blackmon. A 5-foot-3 sophomore point guard, Blackmon averaged 17.4 points and 3.5 steals as a freshman.

Also returning are senior guard Tashika Raby (5-4), junior center Ashley Whitson (5-9) and sophomore forward Lekeya Turner (5-7).

"It's nice to have them returning," said Penrod. "We were real young last year. It was the youngest team since I've been here."

Whitson averaged 12.2 points per game last year, while Turner averaged 7.2 points and 6.5 rebounds. Raby averaged 7.1 points.

The JV team has returned, which will provide experience to two raw, but talented freshmen Terika Brown (5-7) and Brandy Miller (5-9).

"By the end of the year, if they get some experience, they could really help us," said Penrod.

The Bravettes have more talent in senior Dimika Kidd (5-5), juniors Heather Bright (5-5), Leslie Bryant (5-4), Katie Griffin (5-6) and Carmen Mize (5-6), and sophomores Cassandra Daniel (5-2) and Chanica Williams (5-0).

"We're small, but since I've been here this is one of the tallest teams," said Penrod. "They're quick, if they use it."

Penrod said her squad has a lot of potential, but has to work harder in practices than it has to date.

"I think the most important is they have to discipline themselves on a daily basis," said Penrod. "They have the talent and the quickness."

Scott County opens its season tonight at home against Greenville.