Offseason Outlook: Goodpasture Christian

<span style="font-weight: 400;">When Coach Joseph Simmons left the helm from Marshall Co. in Kentucky, he never thought he would be taking over a program quite like this. All he knew was that if he put a little time and energy into this Goodpasture program, he would be uncovering some diamonds in the rough. There was only one problem, there were no seniors or juniors on the upcoming varsity. So he did what he knew how to do best, rolled up his sleeves, and got to work. Now those diamonds are shining in the light.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">This past year these Lady Cougars went 23-8 and finished in the Elite 8. Though they fell short of their goal of winning state, they still had a heck of a year. Girls finished with All-Region, All-District, and many local honors. Girls receiving collegiate looks. Now that the culture has changed, this offseason will be a fun and important one as they lay the foundation on trying to make another title run at state. Young guns for sure, these ladies have experience under their belt and they are primed and ready to compete.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are the ladies who shine bright for the Lady Cougars basketball program at Goodpasture Christian.</span> <b>[player_tooltip player_id="245291" first="Hadleigh" last="Wharton"] (So., SG)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> -This 5’10 product is a stud. Hands down she can do it call. From playing lockdown defense to controlling the boards. She is a tremendous defending and helping her team gain extra possessions. Offensively, she can shoot the ball at a high clip from all 3 levels. She has such a nice release and a nice touch on the ball which equates to nothing but buckets. She picked up All-Region, All-District, and local awards this past off-season. With many D1 mid-majors showing interest in her right now, look for some power 5 schools to be knocking on some doors soon. She will be suiting up for Kentucky Premier this upcoming summer.</span> <b>Kennedy Johnson-Corley (So., PF)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> - This 5’9 bruiser is a beast around the boards. Doesn’t matter what end of the floor, she is owning that area for sure. She provides so much energy for her ball club, it’s ridiculous. Kennedy is a ballplayer who can score the ball offensively. She has a nice mid-range game that she utilizes to perfection. She is a fierce competitor that will surely grow as she gets more court time throughout the summer. Kennedy will be donning a Tennessee Pride jersey this upcoming season.</span> <b>Lazavionna Hawkins (8th grader, PG)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">- The 5’4 PG is a ball of fire that exudes confidence. She is a floor general who commands this Lady Cougars attack. Yes, she may be young, but she is bold, quick, and highly skilled. She plays the game with poise. She can attack gaps to get to the rim, delivers passes on time to open teammates, and can shoot the ball at a high clip. I forgot to mention, she is a force to be reckoned with as she will lock you up the full length of the floor. Look for her to make huge strides this summer as she suits up for TTG Free Agents.</span> <b>Maddie Byrd (So., SG)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">- The 5’9 wing is a pure shooter. She can fill it up from downtown. Maddie always seems to be in the right spot at the right time to receive open passes that allow her to set her feet to shoot. She had some major buckets this past season to where she helped provide a spark for her club. She will be suiting up for the Tennessee Flight this upcoming summer ball season.</span> <b>Brenay Williams (So., SF)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">- This 5’8 SF is lightning quick. Foot speed, she’s got that as she is a track star for the Goodpasture program. She is long, athletic, and uses her body to her strengths. She is phenomenal on the boards, providing opportunities for her ball club to get second chance shots offensively, or starting breaks on the defensive end. She has a nice mid-range game that will surely grow as she gains more experience.</span> <b>T’Anna Saddler (8th grader, C)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> -This 6’0 big is only in the 8th grade and she is dynamic down low. From getting put backs to controlling the boards defensively, she certainly has a presence in the painted area. T’Anna has good footwork to be so young playing varsity basketball. Look for her to make even bigger strides as freshman season rolls around next year. She will be a force to be reckoned with for four more years for sure.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are some other notable Lady Cougars.</span> <b>Sarah Petty- Fr./ 5’8/ Guard</b> <b>Ella Claire Fontenot- Fr./5’7/ Guard</b> <b>Kensley Bell- Fr./5’5/ Point Guard</b> <b>Madi Crocker- 8th/5’8/ Small Forward</b> <b>Harper Kate Miles-8th/5’5/ Shooting Guard</b> &nbsp;