Girls basketball
Preseason Top 10
1. Cosby Titans – 08-09 (state semifinalist, Central Region & Dominion District champion)
* There’s no other choice for No. 1. The Titans are loaded with three Division I-caliber players (Becca Wann, Jazmin Pitts, Andrea Bertrand). Kelsey Conyers is an underrated guard, along with Kaylor Nichols. A complete team.
2. Thomas Dale – 08-09 (Central District champion, region quarterfinalist)
* An illness to its star helped halt the Knights’ playoff run. But most of the ladies are back, including the terrific guard tandem of Duke-bound Ka’lia Johnson and College of Charleston signee Alyssa Frye. The Knights are looking for more than district supremacy.
3. Highland Springs – 08-09 (region quarterfinalist)
* Kyra Coleman and and Takeisha Jeffries will lead a fast, aggressive group. There is plenty of experience in Franklin Harris‘ lineup. Get your Gatorade ready when playing these ladies, you’ll be whipped afterward.
4. Monacan – 08-09 (region qualifier)
* Larry Starr has some weapons this season. Five seniors, led by Candice Silas (19 points, 15 boards per game) and Keyla Pullen (nine points, six assists), are extremely experienced. Add in pop off the pine from sophomore Raven Williams, and you have a dangerous squad.
5. Mills Godwin – 08-09 (Colonial District champ, region semifinalist)
* A third coach in three years won’t dampen expectations on Pump Road. Godwin returns three starters, including 14 points per game from Andrea Sisson. Linchpins Sallie Foster and Tricia Watkins return, as the Eagles get two seniors back from injury, Brooke Withrow and Mary Stoneburner.
6. Henrico – 08-09 (region qualifier)
* Could this be the last season for longtime coach Jean Adkins? If so, it may be one of her best. Talent abounds with sophomore Bria Robinson outside, and junior Bria Harris inside. Juniors Ashle Freeman and Chelsea Tyler have mucho perimeter experience.
7. Atlee – 08-09 (Capital District champion, region finalist, state quarterfinalist)
* Record-setting players are gone in Richelle Price and Sydney Henderson. But Britt Hill and Taylor Henderson are good enough to keep the Raiders in the discussion.
8. Patrick Henry – 08-09 (region qualifier)
* Young Patriots got big-time experience last season. Behind Godwin, the Colonial District is wide open and the runner-up spot should be PH’s. Taylor Huber is a terrific scorer, Katie Anderson is a do-it-all type, and Leslie Nuckols is happy to have this group.
9. L.C. Bird – 08-09 (region semifinalist)
* Graduation hit this team the hardest. Ruthanne Doherty and Barbara Sitton are both playing Division I ball. Toya Ricks (6-1) and PG Porscha Buchanan are left to run Chevette Waller‘s show. Lauren Barnett is a transfer from Manchester.
10. J.R. Tucker – 08-09 (region qualifier)
* The Tigers boast a terrific perimeter. Sarah Parsons threw in 16 per game last season, Breana Spencer 12. The Tigers are looking for answers inside, but have so much firepower from deep it may not matter most nights.
Others to watch
Deep Run – Wildcats lost six seniors and their head coach, but boast Emma Newins and Nicole Pandak.
Meadowbrook – Courtney Coleman is one of the better guards in the area.
Midlothian – Trojans have nice size, new, but experienced coach (Farah Allen) and Rachel Mathews (16 ppg).
Prince George – The Royals return a bunch of seniors. Look out for Brianca Washington outside, and Jorden Lykes inside.
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