Summer is a time of learning for the McAdams girls basketball team and coach Michael Huffman is pleased with what he has seen.
“I've been using the summer to get the kids acclimated, to get them used to playing with each other,” he said. “Basically doing something in the summer that is worthwhile.”
A big hole was created when Jakyra Young transferred to Kosciusko. She averaged 24.5 points per game last year as a junior. The top returning player is Kiara Brown, the only other player to average in double figures at 14 points per game as a junior, along with eight rebounds, 3.2 assists and 2.5 steals. She had a 30 point game in a win over Ethel.
Huffman does not want to depend on her too much. “You have to be careful when you put too much of the load on one player.”
He has high hopes for some of the other returning players as well as some of the younger kids who will step up to the varsity. He mentioned three forwards, Wel'Asia Roby, Haley Perteet and Moleyia Harmon. Roby and Harmon will be juniors and Perteet a senior.
“They have looked good,” Huffman said. “They have shown that they have improved a lot. This year, I'm looking for more from them on the offensive and defensive end.”
In the backcourt, he is counting on Shatikka Greer and Tayler Stewart. Greer, who will be a sophomore, has been a “pleasant surprise,” according to her coach. Stewart will be a junior.
There are also some talented rising eighth graders competing for playing time.
McAdams is coming off a 16-11 season, with the championship of Region 5-1A and a spot in the third round of the playoffs. McAdams will continue in 5-1A the next two years with Ethel, French Camp, Nanih Waiya, Noxapater and West Lowndes.
