Delta girls preview: Bobcats look poised for another long playoff run

Delta girls coach Randy White has taken his team into the Class 1 state tournament every season he's been at the school.

Then again, Delta doesn't always end up with the sternest district test, winning a two-team field last year.

But the Bobcats, who finished third in the state in 2002-03, have the kind of team that can make some noise beyond district again this time around.

Delta finished 21-6 last season after losing in the quarterfinal round to eventual state champion Chadwick.

Back for the Bobcats are four players who had plenty of playing time -- junior guard Shea Smith, junior guard Kaci Menz, sophomore forward Ashley Deprow and junior forward Kayla Seabaugh.

Delta adds Tiffany Amelunke, the starting point guard from the junior varsity last year, and freshman Jodi Menz.

"Some of the things we see in practice is not only how hard the kids are working and a great attitude, but practice is really competitive," White said.

"We think if things go well for us and we work hard, some good things might happen for us," he added. "We're going to have to play real good defense and improve our rebounding. We have to be a better rebounding team and keep offensive pressure on the other team."

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DELTA GIRLS

Coach: Randy White, fifth season

Assistant: Gary Poyner

Last year: 21-6, lost to state champion Chadwick in Class 1 quarterfinal

Conference: Scott-Mississippi Conference

Returning starters

Shea Smith 5-7 Jr. G

Kaci Menz 5-5 Jr. F

Ashley Deprow 5-9 Sr. C

Kayla Seabaugh 5-9 Sr. F

Rest of roster

Tiffany Amelunke, 5-6, Jr., G; Jodi Menz, 5-9, Fr., G/F; Amanda Drew, 5-5, So., G; Sara Blattel, 5-8, So., F; Jessica Kidd, 5-5, So., G; Rebecca Cox, 5-8, So., F; Sarah Keys, 5-5, So., G; Brittni Deprow, 5-4, So., G; Alison Burger, 5-9, So., F

Schedule

Nov. 29 -- at St. Vincent, 6 p.m.

Dec. 1 -- East Prairie, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 5-10 -- Chaffee tournament

Dec. 12 -- Naylor, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 15 -- Charleston, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 3-7 -- Delta New Year's tournament

Jan. 9-13 -- Scott-Miss. tournament

Jan. 19 -- at Oran, 6 p.m.

Jan. 23 -- Puxico, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 26 -- at Chaffee, 6 p.m.

Jan. 30 -- at Meadow Heights, 6 p.m.

Feb. 2 -- New Madrid County, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 4 -- Shawnee, Ill., 1 p.m.

Feb. 6 -- at Scott City, 6 p.m.

Feb. 9 -- Woodland, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 13 -- at Greenville, 6 p.m.

Feb. 16 -- at Kelly, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 20 -- Valle, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 23 -- at Scott County Central, 6:30 p.m.