Sports
Alexander Lady Spartans Looking to be Big TVC-Ohio Contender
By: Josh Vermillion
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Cory McKnight is entering his second season as head coach of the Alexander Lady Spartans, and his philosophy hasn’t changed much from a season ago. He preaches a very fast-paced game, with plenty of ball pressure on the defensive end leading to fast break opportunities.
McKnight is looking for success out of these key players:
Leah Richardson—Junior Guard—Richardson has been the best player for the Lady Spartans since her freshman year, and nothing is going to change as she enters her third season running this offense. She is versatile enough to match up with almost any position on defense, and is exactly what you want out of a point guard on offense. She can shoot well in the perimeter, find ways to get into the paint, and has the vision and basketball IQ to make the right read on whether to shoot, dump to the post or dish it out to the open shooter.
Kendall Meeks—Senior Center—After sitting out her junior year, Meeks is back for her senior season with the Lady Spartans. Meeks gives Alexander a much needed post presence, which is where the Lady Spartans struggled a season ago. She has the ability to body-up opponents in the low post, then does a good job of turning, boxing-out and going for the rebound. Her offensive game is limited, but she has shown she can score off of put-backs or Richardson feeds, while displaying nice touch on the 10-foot jumpers.
The Lady Spartans kick off their season against a tough Warren team on November 28, but looking in on the season, Alexander might have its hands full for these games:
December 28 vs. South Webster
January 16 vs. Huntington WV
January 30 @ Ironton
February 6 vs. Ashland KY
The Lady Spartans are going to be contenders for a TVC-Ohio title this season, and should make a deep run come playoff time. They play a tough non-conference schedule that should prepare them well for the postseason, but will have to get work done in the conference as well. Nelsonville-York and Vinton County look to be the two biggest challengers for the championship, but Alexander has the talent to walk away victorious. Their defense is really what sets them apart from the rest of the conference. When they dial up the pressure, it is difficult to even make it past half-court, let alone get off a decent shot. The big thing for the Lady Spartans will be knowing when to push, when to slow down, and when to run the offense. If the Lady Spartans can consistently play up to their potential, they can run into the success they fell short of last season.