LADY RAMS TRY TO FILL BIG SHOES

Life without four-year starter and all-state basketball player Sara Emerson begins for the Scott City girls this season.

Emerson and her 20 points a game will be gone along with three other seniors from last year's 21-6 district runner-up club. According to Scott City coach Randall White, Emerson led the team in practically every statistical category last year.

So how does a coach replace a player like Emerson?

"Good question," joked White. "We're not going to replace Sara. We'll just have to wait and see who steps up."

Despite missing an outstanding individual on the court, the Rams appear to have several talented -- yet unproven -- players who could fill the void.

Seniors Sara Glenn (5-4), Amy O'Brien (5-7) and Jessica Dees (5-11) will get the first opportunity to step up as offensive threats.

All three started last year, but Dees suffered a knee injury in the third game and did not return to the lineup.

Junior Lanni Bedwell, a 5-5 guard, will also be counted on as a starter.

"The big thing with our three guards is their defense," White said. "We've got good defensive pressure with those girls.

"We always stress defense here. Without it, you're not going anywhere."

Depth will be provided by eight juniors who are coming off a 17-1 season last year. All eight could start and will definitely push for playing time.

Junior members are Crystal Smith (5-7), Ginger Daniel (5-6), Tara Phillips (5-5), Jessica Schaefer (5-8), Alaina Smith (5-9), Amber Dannenmueller (5-4), Becka Gowen (5-6), Sarah Cassout (5-8) and Megan Noon (5-7).

"Right now, it looks like all of them could see some playing time," said White. "We'll have pretty balanced scoring. We'll have to be balanced and use the depth we have."

With the depth the Lady Rams possess, practices have been interesting.

"It's been awfully competitive," said White. "At times it's been a little ragged, but the competition has been good. That's the way I like it.

"Our goal is to reach our potential. We want to take this group and try to develop daily."

The Lady Rams hosted Woodland Monday to start the season.