| Tigers Ready to Run Against Tough Flyers Squad |
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 The Lady Tigers basketball team is set to host the Lady Flyers Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. in the first region meeting between the two schools this season. A fast-paced game is anticipated as both local teams, headed by physically able athletes, thrive on quick plays and a lot of running.
The Lady Tigers basketball team is set to host the Lady Flyers Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. in the first region meeting between the two schools this season. A fast-paced game is anticipated as both local teams,headed by physically able athletes,thrive on quick plays and a lot of running. The Tigers are directed by first year head coach,and long time Hurricane valley resident,Clair Woodbury. Although recently appointed as head coach,Woodbury is no stranger to the basketball scene having assisted other head coaches throughout his life. “This is my first year as head coach but basketball is nothing new to me,”said Woodbury. “I’m thankful for excellent assistant coaches who love basketball and have excellent skills as players and coaches.” Mark Heppler,head coach of the Lady Flyers,anticipates a fast-paced game and is confident that his group of girls is well equipped and ready to compete. “We like to get out quick and make the opposing teams run.”Heppler said. “We’re very quick on defense as well and we’ve worked out a good defensive system. As coaches and players we feel well prepared.” The players on both sides of the court are well acquainted with one another and both coaching staffs are aware of threats and weaknesses set forth by each opposing team. “I’ve heard really good things about coach Woodbury,”said Heppler. “He,along with his coaches,has established great chemistry between players. Learning to play together is a good thing –it’s huge.” “The surrounding community really supports the local kids,”Woodbury said. “They are at all of our home games and they are even traveling to see our games when we are away. The fans are a great support to our team.” The Flyers and the Tigers,along with other region 9 opponents,are well aware of the playing atmosphere found in Hurricane. Noise levels and excitement,because of the large crowds so eager to support,are at a maximum and can have a profound effect on players and coaches alike. “It’ll be good to be at home again,”said Woodbury. “We’ve spent a few weeks on the road and we got a few good wins. You’ll always have a spark at home. I see no negatives when it comes to playing at home.” “It’s always tough to win in Hurricane. You’ll hear the same thing from other schools in the region.”Heppler said. “They have a great crowd that offers great support and they really seem to play well at home. Even more than playing,they certainly enjoy winning at home.” With a league leading record,the Hurricane Tigers have established themselves as a power house team within region 9 with multiple weapons in their artillery. Although the Tigers offer a defensively tough and an offensively sound style of play,the Lady Flyers are tough and offer an almost equally impressive record in region play. With one of the quickest line-ups in the league they are ready to run against their opponents. “I couldn’t be more pleased with the performance of our senior players.”Heppler said. “All of our seniors are feeling comfortable out on the floor and any one of them is capable of having a great game for us at any time.” In a game where consistency is important the Flyers bring to the floor a deep line-up of seniors,juniors and sophomores. Looking to the senior leaders is preferred by many coaches;nevertheless,falling back on junior and sophomore players for added support is reassuring to starting players and coaches. “You know,every team has its best players,”Woodbury said. “We bring a veteran team to the floor that is full of seniors. I am a true believer in senior leadership.” The Tigers look to team leaders such as Brandi Barrett,a 6-foot-1-inch center,to provide a boost of energy on defense as well as offense. “Brandi is a pretty tremendous athlete who has already signed to play college basketball.”Woodbury said. “When she started to play in middle school she was rough around the edges,and through shear hard work and determination she has become a player capable of playing at a collegiate level.” “Containing Barrett is one of the keys to beating Hurricane.”Heppler said. “It can turn out to be a long night for teams that fail to do so.” The Tigers look,aside from their post players,to the guards who will be providing an offensive push. Point guard Rachelle Ballard will direct traffic while running the offense and providing a defensive example for her Tiger teammates. Shanae Vaifanua,a junior guard,and Leah Wilson,a senior guard,have also become team leaders through their exceptional play. “We always start with our defense,that’s our focus.”Woodbury said. “We’ve settled into our offense and our defense takes a little more effort. But,we have a great group of girls who really believe in our defensive game.” The meeting between the two teams in Hurricane is sure to thrill all spectators. It should,like many other games within the region,follow suit as yet another grueling defensive contest between two highly aggressive teams. “We have an up-tempo team who can match up with anyone in the state.”said Woodbury. “We’ll press and we’ll trap and although it may look a little chaotic at times it really plays to our advantage. As we speed up the game defensively,we usually see good results.” “We’re really looking to shoot the ball well against their zone defense.”Heppler said. “A win at Hurricane is always a good one. And,when we’re away from home,road wins are a great bonus.” Bookmark & Share              |