Lady Gamecocks working from ‘blank slate’

By Jeremy Wise/Ledger Sports Editor
Published: November 16, 2008

The New Brockton Lady Gamecocks basketball program has not been good in recent history, winning three basketball games in three years.

Lady Gamecocks head coach Gid Zorn wants the past to be forgotten.

“It’s a blank slate,” he said. “I think we can make some noise.”

Zorn, in his first year as Lady Gamecocks head coach, said defense will be key to making that happen.

“We’ve got to make people work in their offense. Our defense will be our best offense,” he said, adding being fundamental on defense will force turnovers.

In fact, as of Thursday, Zorn said he has not worked on any offensive sets.

Defensive stalwarts for New Brockton so far in practices have been sophomores Chelsey Holloway, and Jamicah Dunn and senior Alex Lee.

“She is the strength off our bench,” Zorn said of Lee.

On offense, Dunn has served as the team’s point guard in the past, something that will continue in spurts, Zorn said.

He added Dunn will serve mainly as a shooting guard.

Running the point most of the time will be Ebonee Muhammad. Kaitlyn Crosby may also play some point guard for the Lady Gamecocks.

Inside, senior Anna Beth Sawyer leads the Lady Gamecocks.

“She’s a do-everything kid. She’s a do-everything player,” Zorn said. “We’ll try to build on her example.”

Also inside is Linda Howard, a newcomer to the Lady Gamecocks team.

At forward will be Whitney Brantley, who, Zorn said, has “post-size.”

“We’ve worked hard on her shooting ability,” Zorn added.

The Lady Gamecocks will be in a bit of a different area as Elba and Cottonwood are in and Barbour County is out.

Behind perennial power Samson, who made the Final Four last year, Zorn believes the second spot in area play is “wide open.”

“Win one game in the area tournament, and you’re in the playoffs,” Zorn said. “Getting there is a big thing (for us).”

Before they even get on the court, the Lady Gamecocks had to overcome one obstacle.

Zorn said practices have been a struggle so far this year as the high school’s gymnasium is being refurbished.

“It’s hard to put (sets) in with no lines on the floor,” Zorn said of practicing in the school’s auditorium.

Zorn said the problems will be worth it when the current refurbishing phase is over in the next week.

“We’re appreciative of (the gym refurbishing),” he said.

Zorn said the team’s first game with Goshen, scheduled for Tuesday, is in the process of being rescheduled.

The Lady Gamecocks will take the court Thursday as they travel to Hartford to face Geneva County.

Action begins at 4:30 p.m.