L-R: #3 LAVANYE MILLSAP GUARD, #2 KHYDEN TURNER POINT GUARD, #1 TIMBALAND MITCHELL CENTER, #30 MAKENNA MANLEY GUARD, #15 HARMONY CREAMER POINT GUARD, #14 ANNA FRANCIS FORWARD
Round ball along the Alabama Highway is heating up again as both Eagles programs enjoyed success last year that they will look to build on this season. While both teams fell in the first round of the state tournament, that experience should pay dividends for teams that a laden with veteran players.
For Lady Eagles Head Coach Jason Shields, the success was nice, but this group of girls has given him far more joy than making the playoffs.
“These girls have made basketball fun again for me,” says Shields. “It’s not always fun when you’re trying to build something, but they have made it fun again. I’ve been coaching basketball since I was 18 and there are times, I think I’d like to play a little more golf, but this group has excited me and that is a real blessing.”
Shields team will be anchored senior guard Makenna Manley and forward Anna Francis, while sophomore Harmony Creamer will run the point. Fans can expect a team that plays from tipoff to the final buzzer as that expectation is set through the intense practices and training regimen Shields implements for the program.
“Our practices are intense by design, and these girls have embraced that and made practice fun,” says Shields. “That attitude has created a
great atmosphere around the team and that kind of chemistry will help
us throughout the season.”
As for the boys, 2nd-year Head Coach Tyler Bradley is settling into his role nicely. While his boys fell in the first round of the state tournament to a Tombs County team that went on to the Final Four, they too,
return a lot of experience that is hoping for a deeper run this season.
“When I took over, there was a goal to change the culture and raise an expectation to win,” said Bradley. “Last year was the first time both the boys and girls made the playoffs since 2009, so I feel like the program as a whole is starting to meet that expectation. Now our goal is to build on that success.”
To aid in the building process, Bradley has 3 senior leaders at his disposal this season with forward Timbaland Mitchell, guard LaVanye Millsap, and point guard Khyden Turner. That trio will be expected to lead the charge for the Eagles by taking accountability for their actions on and off the court.”
“We have to build each other up and be accountable for our actions to be the team we want to be,” says Bradley. “If we can do that and put in the work at practice, it will translate to success throughout the season.”
Buckle up Eagles fans, it seems like exciting seasons are in store for both Coosa teams this year.
