Chaffee makes up for size with shooting

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- While the Chaffee Red Devils are still rebuilding, coach Tammy Brock, who also coaches seventh grade, eighth grade and junior varsity, can at least be sure her players won't have to worry about being unfamiliar with her girls' basketball system.

While Brock's task of rebuilding the program has been a large one, Brock's work on all levels has helped to turn the program in the right direction.

Brock said coaching the girls from junior high and up gives her the early opportunity to instill her type of fundamentals.

"They know your expectations when they come in at the high school level," she said. "It's a definite advantage."

One player with plenty of experience is senior Jennifer Vandeven. Vandeven averaged 20 points a game last season and led the team in rebounding. She has started varsity since her freshman year.

Besides Vandeven, senior Mallory Kiefer is the top returning player. Kiefer will be a shooting guard.

"Those two kids I'm looking for a lot of leadership from," Brock said.

The only other senior on the squad is Shannon Hampton, who played in her freshman year but hasn't played since.

Brock said she hopes to see good things from Hampton as the season progresses.

"Every day in practice I can see improvement," Brock said of Hampton.

Brock will also rely on juniors Amy Holmes, Samantha Hendrix, Natalie Townsend, Molly Fowler and Lindsey Everett. Holmes and Hendrix were strong rebounders for the JV team last season, something Brock hopes will continue on the varsity level.

All of Brock's juniors played at least a little on the varsity level last season, which she said will be a plus.

"It's not going to be a shock like it is to some kids," Brock said of her players' transition to varsity.

Due to lack of size, the Red Devils may have to rely on their shooting and strong ball movement. Casey Guzman, a freshman point guard, will likely play a big role in making ball movement happen as the season goes along.

What also could benefit the team is its participation in a summer camp at Southeast Missouri State University. The girls played about a dozen games in three days and with positive results, including a win over Fredericktown.

"The experience on the court probably helped them mature a bit," Brock said.

During that camp Brock also used freshman Sarah Dooley, who could contribute before the season is over. Chaffee has 16 girls in its varsity and JV programs.

Brock said although the team may not be deep, the girls believe in themselves and are excited about their chances.

"I don't think we can do anything but improve from last year," she said.

Brock said because of the girls willingness to learn, the team has already started to see improvements in the skill level.

"That makes your season go good no matter how many times win," she said.

jjoffray@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 171