Big Shoes To Fill
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There is always a transition period when you are trying something new. Going from the 8th grade where you were the “big dog” on campus, to having to start over again is tough. You have to navigate new things such…
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Continue ReadingThere is always a transition period when you are trying something new. Going from the 8th grade where you were the “big dog” on campus, to having to start over again is tough. You have to navigate new things such as the school schedule, a new building, proving yourself to a new coach, and proving yourself to your new teammates. Sure, you have girls who played with you last year in the same situation, but being who you are, you’re just built a little differently. You want the challenge. You want to compete. You want to play on varsity. You want to be a contributor or a difference maker. You want to continue to shine because you felt what it was like back in middle school. You want to…..(the list goes on)
The class of 2025 had some young ladies who stepped onto the high school basketball scene and contributed to their program in major ways. They may have started in a smaller role, but earned more opportunities along the way. Their play, their hard work, and their commitment to get better, earned them the right to see the floor more. The coach believed in her more. Her teammates trusted her more, and her confidence grew more in herself. She started to stand out amongst others in her class.
Don’t get me wrong, this freshman class is nowhere near their full potential. They are just now breaking through and laying the foundation of building a successful high school career.Here are a few girls who are ready to step in and fill the void left by outgoing seniors. As the circuit life is about to pick up and two-a-days are right around the corner, these young ladies are ready to embrace the process.
Lyriq Mastin Lyriq Mastin 5'7" | CG Blackman | 2025 State TN (5’6/CG/Fr./Blackman)– Continues the long line of outstanding Blackman guards, this phenomenal freshman had an outstanding first year. Downhill floor general who has a sweet mid-range game. Quick first step that enables her to get into the painted area. Sees the floor well, unselfish. Heady floor general who thrives in the transitional game.
Blair Baugus Blair Baugus 6'0" | PF Wayne Co. | 2025 State TN (6’0/PF/Fr./ Wayne Co.)– Her game will only get better. Big time player who has great speed, court vision, and can knock down shots. Can handle the ball, use her size to her advantage, and create off the dribble. Contributes on both ends of the floor by jumping passing lanes, blocking shots, and grabbing boards. Skies are the limit for this young exceptional talent.
Ella Ryan Ella Ryan 5'10" | PG Brentwood | 2025 State TN (5’8/PG/Fr./Brentwood)– May have some big shoes to fill following her sister’s outstanding career, but Ella can definitely do it. She’s going to create her own legacy, but being thrown into the fire at an early age, she held her own plus more. Sees the floor well, consistent from the outside, can get into the lane to create a shot for herself or dump it down for others. Plays the game hard and with relentless effort.
Elaura Cox Elaura Cox 5'6" | CG Oakland | 2025 State TN (5’6/CG/Fr./ Oakland)– Quiet nature, but her game speaks loud. This combo guard is phenomenal with the ball in her hands. Creative, heady, can change speeds, consistent from the field, Elaura’s game will continue to get better the older she gets. Can finish in the paint against contact. Has quick hands and feet on defense. As she carves her role in the Lady Patriots offense, look for her to earn big minutes and add more fire power to this talented program.
Channah Gannon Channah Gannon 6'0" | PF Coffee Co. | 2025 State TN (6’0/PF/Fr./ Coffee Co.)– Her and her sister provide a solid one two punch down low. Channah knows how to use her size to her advantage. Can play inside in and out. Dominate the paint. Contribute on the boards. Block shots. Efficient in the pick n roll game as well as in high low action. Channah is one of the staples that will help lead the Coffee Co. attack for years to come.
Ally Weathers Ally Weathers 5'8" | SG Loretto | 2025 State TN (5’8/ SG/ Fr./ Loretto)– It’s in her blood. This young lady got to play with her sister in her senior year. Sharpshooting guard who is athletic and can dial it from deep. Contributes in multiple categories, as she does the little things to help her club win. From guarding talented opponents to taking solid shots from the field, Ally is on the path to continue on the Weathers name and create her own legacy. Packed with so much potential, look for her to step into a bigger role next year and continue to build onto the Mustang foundation.