by Stephen M. Lewis
DigitalSports Richmond
Meadowbrook girls basketball coach Mike Knight got a couple of steals and is working wonderfully with his new merchandise.
The Monarchs, ranked fourth in the DigitalSports preseason top 10, are bolstered by two transfers from city schools, Crystal Smith from Huguenot and Deja Middleton, formerly of John Marshall.
Smith is a wippet-fast point guard with a flair for the game and the ability to please a crowd at any given moment.
Middleton is about 6-3 and has improved her touch around the basket dramatically. Knight has been working on all parts of her game since she set foot on Meadowbrook’s campus.
That’s not the only talent that Knight has.
Jessica “Peanut” Arnold returns for her senior year as she can move to the shooting guard to do what she does best and make room for Smith and her playmaking. Her veteran presence should help tremendously.
The Monarchs also have a talented sophomore in Courtney Coleman that will see time on the wing. Knight also expects twin freshmen Kiara and Katrina Marks to make an impact.
Meadowbrook has the ability to run the floor with the best of them. If they consistently finish their layups and don’t get too careless in the open floor, the Monarchs can be even better than last year with super-scorer Channa Willis.
2006-07 record: 12-2 Central, 16-10
Coach: Mike Knight, second season at Meadowbrook
Key players:
Crystal Smith, 5-6, Jr., PG – Fancy, great passer, quick, good defender, excellent vision and handle
Deja Middleton, 6-3, Sr., C – Improved finisher around the basket, better FT shooter, good rebounder and outlet passer
Jessica Arnold, 5-6, Sr., G – Great 3-point shooter, tough, veteran
Courtney Coleman, 5-7, So., F – Scrappy, talented, great off-the-ball defender
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