Alexander Lady Spartans Have Bright Future Despite Losing Haning
By: Rebekah Markovitz
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The Alexander Lady Spartans placed second in the TVC-Ohio this year, but there is a strong chance they could repeat the success of the 2016-2017 school year. Then, Alexander was first in the TVC-Ohio. This year, they have the talent and momentum to do it again. They won five sectional titles in a row and are losing only one varsity starter: Kristen Taylor.
Liz Haning
But they are also losing one of their greatest morale boosters: Liz Haning. Although she did not play varsity ball, she played a crucial role for the varsity team. Despite playing basketball in middle school, she delayed playing high school basketball until her senior year.
Jeff Grinstead, Alexander’s Varsity Coach, told Haning that decision would keep her off the court.
“You know I had to have a tough conversation with Liz, ‘Listen you are a senior, if you want to play much I am going to have to put you on JV team because you have never played,’” he said.
Haning took the news well, and Grinstead said she had a positive impact on the team.
“She was like ‘Coach you put me wherever, I just want to be a part of this team, I just want to play basketball’ and the rest was kind of history from there,” Grinstead said. “She has been a blessing for our team. She comes everyday with a big smile on her face. The team loves her.”
Haning was a starter on JV and always attended varsity practice. On senior night, she was given the opportunity to play in a varsity game. She made her mark on the court with an impressive three-pointer.
Morgan Grinstead, Alexander’s Junior Varsity Coach, said Haning represents what it is like to be a Spartan.
“She is always on the bench cheering on,” she said. “She is on the sidelines during practice cheering on, talking to her teammates. I think she represents being a Spartan well. I think she is a great kid. I am really glad she came out and played.”
But, even without Haning, the future looks bright for Alexander.
The Future
Alexander’s toughest competitors this season were Vinton County and Nelsonville-York. Vinton County placed first in the TVC-Ohio, and Nelsonville-York tied for second with Alexander. Vinton County graduated three seniors, including their best player Cassie Bentley. Nelsonville-York also lost their best player, Jessie Addis, to graduation.
The Lady Spartans are returning two of their best players, Rachel Richardson and McKena Rice. Both have played varsity for four years and have unstoppable chemistry on the court. They are the top scorers for the team and have been recognized for their impressive statistics.
Special Recognition
McKena Rice was named Second Team All District and All Ohio Honorable Mention. Rachel Richardson was named First Team All District and All Ohio Special Mention. Richardson already received scholarship offers from division II schools: Lake Erie College, Trevecca University, and Kentucky Wesleyan University.