By Staff
Kim West
Franklin County Times
RED BAY – The Red Bay Lady Tigers basketball team started its summer vacation a little later than their classmates.
That's because they have spent the past month practicing and taking advantage of the AHSAA rule that now allows seven days of competition for high school basketball teams during the summer. After the official start date, coaches can schedule scrimmages with other schools and take their squads to team camps throughout the summer.
However, most coaches have used June to compete so they can allow their players off time in July.
The Lady Tigers concluded their summer competition Monday night with a round-robin at the Red Bay High School gym.
The round-robin included six games and teams from Tanner, Tharptown, New Site (Miss.) and Belmont (Miss.). Red Bay played two games, which consisted of 20-minute halves, and won against Tharptown and lost the nightcap game, 29-26, to rival Belmont.
"We got some good practice from these games," Red Bay coach Donne Roberts said. "Belmont is a big rival for us because they're just six miles from us and we play them twice during the regular season.
"I was really pleased with the games, and the players gave a good effort," Roberts said. "I think our team improved during the month of June."
The Lady Tigers feature small, quick guards, athletic post players and depth, according to Roberts. He plans to use his depth to run the fast break on offense and play full-court, pressure defense, and he pointed out one thing in particular his team needs to improve.
"Shooting is going to be the main thing we need to work on, and the only way to improve that is to shoot and shoot," Roberts said. "
The players will probably come by the gym and shoot a couple times a week during July."
Red Bay's rosters features five seniors this fall.
"I expect a lot from our seniors," Roberts said. "We need them show leadership on and off the court, and to use their experience."
The Red Bay seniors are post player Chelsey McWilliams, point guard Jessica Johnston, guard Aimee Jackson, guard/post Britny Scott and 6-1 post Jan Holland, who transferred from Belgreen in 2006.
"She's never played before, but she's made so much improvement and we're hoping she's going to make have an impact this season."
McWilliams has been selected to play for the Alabama squad in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game July 12 at the University of Alabama-Huntsville's Spragins Hall.
Tip-off is 6 p.m., and the boys' game follows at 8 p.m.
Game 1 – Tanner d. Tharptown
Game 2 – Red Bay d. Tharptown
Game 3 – Tanner d. New Site
Game 4 – Red Bay d. New Site
Game 5 – Belmont d. Tharptown
Game 6 – Belmont d. Red Bay