Bravettes try to build off last year's state quarterfinal loss

After falling on hard times a few seasons ago, perennial state contender Scott County Central appears to have its program back on track.

Because of a lack of players, the seven-time state champion Bravettes had to forfeit in the district three years ago.

But Scott County rebounded to reach the district championship game the following season, then last year went 14-10, won a district title and reached the Class 1 quarterfinals.

Now, with three returning starters and a healthy total of more than 15 players in the program, 11th-year coach Semona Penrod is looking for more good things.

"That's a positive, the numbers we have now," Penrod said. "That was a big problem before, because some of the grades just didn't have that many girls in it, and I'm sure we'll face that problem again down the road.

"But I'm excited about the season. This is a great group of girls to work with."

The Bravettes will be young, with just three seniors and one junior on the entire roster, and they'll again be short -- the tallest player stands 5 feet, 9 inches -- but Penrod believes there is sufficient talent to work with.

Despite graduating all-stater Jennifer Hoots and her average of 19 points per game, the Bravettes return an all-stater in 5-6 senior guard Janet Penrod, the coach's daughter. A starter since her freshman season, Penrod averaged 18.6 points and seven rebounds per game last year.

Other returning regulars are 5-8 senior forward Brittany Godwin and 5-5 sophomore point guard Brittney Peet. Godwin averaged 11 points and six rebounds per game last season.

"We don't have much height, like usual, but our speed should be our strength," Penrod said. "We may have a slow start because we've got so much youth and a lot of new girls coming into the program, but I'm optimistic.

"I'm hoping we can get at least to the quarterfinals again, but it's going to be tough because Delta is going to have a real good program."

The Bravettes open the season tonight at Greenville.