Four returning starters tackle up-tempo plan

As Chaffee's Tyson Moyers embarks on his first season as a varsity head coach, he's equipping his team with two simple principles.

"I'm trying to get them to understand that basketball is about working hard and playing as a team, and they've taken to it pretty well," Moyers said.

Moyers, an assistant coach at Scott City the past two seasons and at Kelly before that, is gearing his squad with an up-tempo style with balanced scoring.

It will depart from the previous few years at Chaffee when the Red Devils relied heavily on Jennifer Vandeven, the school's all-time leading scorer and rebounder.

"Jennifer was a special player, but I couldn't be happier with the group of girls I've got," Moyers said.

He'll look for more involvement from all 11 players, which includes four returning senior starters.

"These girls are capable of doing more," Moyers said. "We're going to have to have girls step up every night and score. My dream is for everyone to score 10 to 12 points a game."

With three of the returning starters -- Natalie Townsend, Amy Holmes and Mallory Kiefer -- being members of last year's state-qualifying 4-by-100 relay team, the Red Devils appear to be suited for their new coach's vision of an up-tempo team.

"We should be able to play pretty aggressive defense and be able to push the ball a little bit," Moyers said.

Senior Samantha Hendrix rounds out the returning starters. Chaffee, void of juniors, features two more seniors in Lindsey Everett and Molly Fowler.

A sophomore class contains the likes of Kegan Orr, Sarah Dooley, Casey Guzman, Suzanne Reischman and Mindy Hendrix.

Orr, a point guard, didn't play last year after injuring her knee in volleyball. Now healthy, she possesses the quickness and athletic ability that Moyers values.

The Red Devils will be neither tall nor short and Moyers sees no specific strengths or weaknesses entering the season.

"We've got lot of girls that do a lot of little things well," Moyers said. "Holmes is a great rebounder. Orr is a great ball handler. Townsend penetrates and shoots well. And everyone has their weakness."

Chaffee participated in a couple of camps over the summer and Moyers said the Red Devils competed well.

"What impressed me over the summer is they rebounded real well," Moyers said. "That opens up opportunities to score."