In his first year at Newton County Academy, Micheal Alexander’s Lady Generals were one win away from the making the state tournament.
With four starters back, Alexander hopes the Lady Generals can make the next step.
“I feel really good about it going into the season,” Alexander said. “Last year, we were only one win away from making the state tournament and maybe we can get there this year. The first thing we have to do is advance out of the district.”
The district is one of the Lady Generals’ main obstacles this season as they are paired with Brookhaven, Clinton Christian, Sylva Bay and Prentiss.
“They really changed the district up on us this year,” Alexander said. “I felt pretty good with what was in last year’s district. We picked up Brookhaven and Clinton Christian and think they are both going to be pretty good. But we have strengthened our schedule, playing Canton, Tri-County and Leake. It’s always a good measuring stick when you play teams like that. Right now our first priority is to make it out of district.”
Not only do the Lady Generals have four starters back, there are no seniors on the team. Coming back and expected to start is Anna Laurel Moody in the post, Karli Blackledge and Kaleigh Cosgrove on the wings and Kelli Hollingsworth at the point. The other guard spot will be Jordan Russell.
Also expected to see playing time is Taylor Evans, who transferred from Lake but has never played basketball. Alexander said Evans is “a big, tall kid who is improving every day and should be able to give us some minutes inside.” Also expected to play are sophomore Sara Beth Bounds and Madison Brantley.
“I think it always goes back to basics,” Alexander said. “If you are going to hang your hat on shooting, there are going to be nights when you don’t shoot well so you better be able to play defense and rebound.”
Generals
Sage Gunn drives for a layup against Kemper Academy in December 2016. (NCA Photo)
Much like the Lady Generals, the Generals will take the floor without a senior on the roster.
“We are going to be very young, no seniors,” boys coach Tanner Smith said. “We have five juniors, five sophomores and five freshmen. Going to be really young on experience. But they are hungry to win. If they could just get in their head to prepare as much to win as they want to win, we would be OK.”
Leading the Generals will be Sage Gunn, who averaged 12.5 points a game and will run the point. He is joined on the floor by Ethan McDill, Kemp Alderman, Dalton Sibley and Luke Alexander. Also expect to see playing time is Wesley Williams, Austin Upton and Riley Boswell.
“Sage is going to have to step up and be the leader of this team,” Smith said. “He’s a really good player and he’s going to have to use the weapons he has on the floor with him. I think chemistry is the big thing for us. They are all really good friends but can they play with each other. For us to be successful, we have to unselfish and have to want to play with each other.”
The Generals finished 17-14 last year, making it out of the district and losing in the first round of the Central AA State Tournament.
