By By Jeff Byrd/staff writer
November 2, 2002
Veteran head coach Joe Miller likes his current bunch of Southeast Lauderdale Lady Tigers basketball team.
Whether they will be good enough to advance out of the rugged Division 5-3A remains the big question.
Southeast, which went 24-9 last year, lost its leading scorer in Lesley Ruffin and leading rebounder in Kanita Cooley. The rise or fall of this season could hinge on how three promising freshmen progress during the year.
The starting point guard off that team returns to anchor this year's unit. Senior Erika Ruffin comes back after a year off from basketball to run the Lady Tigers' point position.
Mitchell, a 5-9 junior forward, has made strides in the off-season. She will be joined at the post by the newest starter in Stacy Tate.
Newell and Smith are the wings with Erika Ruffin running the point.
The key will be the bench which will feature two talented freshmen guards in Tiawana Pringle and Queta Reed to go with junior forward LaShondra Hall.
The lineup is rounded out by Ny'cresha Little and Chastisi Nichols. The B-team group will consist of Shonda Ivy, Melisa Malone, Angela Walker, Chakelya Harbin, Heather Ward, Heather Harper and Jamie Albanese.
Southeast opens its season today at 1:30 p.m. against Terry in the Choctaw Central Classic.