PREVIEW: Looking at the Lady Indians’ season

By JOAN P. HARMON/Correspondent

When Rural Retreat Head Coach Quinton Hensley went to his first girls’ basketball practice, he saw a lot of new faces and realized he would have a different cast this season.
Graduation hit Hensley and the Lady Indians hard as they lost four starters and two reserves.
Hensley did an outstanding coaching job as he guided the ladies from Rural Retreat to a fine 16-4 season. “We had a great season and our losses were to three fine teams: Fort Chiswell, George Wythe and Chilhowie,” said Hensley. “I think I could have done a better job coaching, and we were disappointed with our finish as we didn’t make regional play. We lost two key games at the end of the season and that really hurt us. We lost 70 percent of our offense from last year, along with rebounding and tough defensive play.”
This year Hensley must replace four starters and depth must be found, but several young ladies are more than ready to accept the challenge. The Rural Retreat junior varsity squad advanced to the Hogoheegee District tournament championship game and some of those players move up to the varsity level.
Hensley then commented on the 2007-08 team.
Charlotte Reasor, junior guard/post. “Charlotte is a returning all-district player and she led us in scoring last year. She will have to lead in a lot of different areas as she is our most experienced player. Reasor has improved her overall game, and I think that she will be one of the better players in the area this year.”
Brittany Ball, senior guard/wing. “Brittany will be counted on to step in and contribute on offense and defense. Ball is very athletic and is a hard-nosed player. We look for her to have a fine season for us.”
Morgan McAllister, senior, post. “Morgan will be asked to score, rebound and play good defense. She has worked hard in the off-season and is off to a good start, period. McAllister is a hard worker and plays with her smarts.”
Kristin Eubanks, senior guard. “Kristin has also worked very hard and is showing improvement in her game. Eubanks is a good shooter and her quickness will be an asset for our team.”
Jenna Dix, sophomore wing. “Jenna had a fine JV season last year and she was an important cog on the team. Dix is very athletic and we look for her to score and play good defense. She plays hard, gives it her all and has great potential.”
Brittany Samaniego, junior wing. “Brittany was also a JV starter last year and had a fine season. We will look for her to be a big contributor on this year’s team. Samaniego jumps well, plays tough defense and can rebound.”
Kari Eubanks, freshman guard. “Kari was another starter on junior varsity last year as an eight grader and had a fine season. She is an excellent shooter and has a love for the game. She has a great deal of potential, and I am excited about coaching her.”
Hannah Hadaway, freshman wing/post. “Hannah is an excellent athlete as she made it to the state meet in cross country. Hadaway is a very intelligent player, and she has the potential to be good on the hardwood.”
Ashley Lester, senior post. “Ashley hasn’t played since her freshman year, and we look for her to help in the post. Lester gives us size down low and we look for her to score and rebound.”
“As far as the district race goes, Chilhowie and George Wythe will be the teams to beat, and I look for Patrick Henry to be strong. By the end of the regular season, I think RR can be a good basketball team. The keys to our success will be staying positive, working hard and improving with each practice and game. It isn’t how you start out, it is how you finish,” said Hensley.
Even though Hensley has several young players, don’t sell the Lady Indians short. With his coaching ability and the talent on hand, Rural Retreat could be playing its best basketball at the right time.
The 2007-08 Rural Retreat High School girls’ basketball schedule:
Date Opponent Site
Dec. 3 Bland Home
Dec. 6 Grayson Away
Dec. 10 Ft. Chiswell Home
Dec. 13 Galax Away
Dec. 14 Ft. Chiswell Away
Dec. 17 Bland Away
Dec. 21 Grayson Home
Jan 7 George Wythe Home
Jan. 9 Galax Home
Jan. 10 Pat. Henry Away
Jan. 14 Holston Home
Jan. 15 Tazewell Home
Jan. 17 Chilhowie Away
Jan. 21 Northwood Home
Jan. 23 George Wythe Away
Jan. 24 Tazewell Away
Jan. 28 Pat. Henry Home
Jan. 31 Holston Away
Feb. 4 Chilhowie Home
Feb. 7 Northwood Away