Bravettes return tools to be a Class 1 threat

A seven-time state champion that fell on hard times is beginning to look dangerous again.

The one-time perennial state title contender forfeited its district games in 2001, but it's looking to build on a 15-12 season with a pair of two-time all-conference and all-district players returning.

"Things are looking fairly promising," 10th-year coach Semona Penrod said.

The Bravettes return four starters, including senior Jennifer Hoots and junior Janet Penrod -- both starters since their freshman year.

Hoots averaged 20 points and nine rebounds as a junior, while Penrod was right behind at 18 points and eight rebounds. Both may find themselves at new positions with Hoots probably moving from forward to center and Penrod from point guard to shooting guard.

Five-foot freshman Brittney Peete will start the season at point guard, which Janet Penrod handled the last two seasons.

Peete is a quick guard who will allow Penrod, a good outside shooter, to concentrate more on contributing offensively. Peete is also expected to cause problems for opponents on the defensive end and plays well into the Bravettes' up-tempo style.

"I don't know how it's going to work out, but she's doing very well right now," Semona Penrod said. "She's a little-bitty thing, but she uses her quickness and speed on defense, and she's a smart kid. I think she can play that role."

Hoots, among the team's tallest player at 5-foot-8, has been progressively moving inside after serving as point guard as a freshman. Able to hit from the outside, Hoots can also drive to the basket and battle for rebounds.

The Bravettes have two more returning starters in Brittany Godwin, a junior and a two-year starter, and senior Jackie Monroe, a three-year starter. Summer Horton, Ashley Laminack, Ashley Hoots and Jerrica Jones all saw varsity action last season. Peete leads a freshman class short on height but with a lot of quickness.

"Our height again will be a major weakness," Penrod said. "We should make it up with speed."

Like last year, rebounding is an area of concern for the Bravettes.

"We've worked a lot on doing a better job of rebounding," Penrod said. "These girls have to work hard on blocking out because they're not real tall. "