Last week tryouts for this season’s Lady Statesmen junior varsity basketball began, and by the end of the week the teams were chosen. 

Returning players as seniors include Kierra Dodd, Adrianne Nelson and Desheckalee Rose. 

Juniors who made the cut were Jakya Pettus, Tehya Pugh, Cymirra Shuford and LeOlivia Standford.

Sophomores who returned bringing experience to the team are Tykeria Banks, Ronnia Casper, Takira Jennings, Tyra Randolph, Tori Thompson and Tori Washington.

New to the Lady Statesmen is sophomore Diamond Boyd and freshmen Asma Sharifah Abdul-Aziz,  Nikenya Black, Anisha Marable, Cheyanne Newcomb, Tajalin Watson, Dejah White and Alexis Wilmouth.

At the helm of the varsity Lady Statesmen this year is Michael Goode, who will be assisted by Sonia Fleet.

Goode previously worked with the Randolph-Henry boys teams. 

Fleet is new to the basketball program but has previous experience coaching other sports. 

Anchoring the junior varsity Lady Statesmen will be longtime coach Sandy Mayhew.

“The junior varsity team is definitely young this year,” said Mayhew.  “We also are small in size, but what is lacked in height, we more than make up in quickness. We will go through some growing pains early on, but I expect excellent results from these ladies this year.”

Goode commented on the season ahead, saying, “My season expectations are to lay down a foundation of hard work, good character and teamwork as these will be stressed daily throughout the season. The team and I are looking to make tomorrow better than today.”

Each week, Goode will use a quote or a motto for the team and last week’s quote was, “The separation is your preparation.”

Both teams will open this week with a scrimmage on the road at William Campbell on Thursday. The JV game will begin at 4:30 p.m., with the varsity game to follow. 

The coaches encourage the community to come support the teams.