Team Preview: Stewarts Creek Lady Red Hawks
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Coming off a spectacular 29 win season that ended in a substate loss to eventual state champ Bradley Central, Stewarts Creek is looking to make a next level jump. Even though they lost Head Coach Bianca Hensley, there is a…
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Continue ReadingComing off a spectacular 29 win season that ended in a substate loss to eventual state champ Bradley Central, Stewarts Creek is looking to make a next level jump. Even though they lost Head Coach Bianca Hensley, there is a lot of belief in Coach Starkey at the helm with some high level talent returning.
Ward is the heart and soul of this team. The 5’11 versatile forward already had two D1 offers from UT Martin and St. Louis. She is loaded with potential, and her size and athleticism give her a shot at really making another leap in her game once if she can continue to raise her skill level. She’s already deadly when she catches the ball with her back to the basket, catches in transition, or beats the initial defender attacking the rim. But, her ability to step out and knock down shots from the perimeter will be what gives her the chance to be really special. It will be interesting to watch how this develops, as she has the chance to be very special.
Layla Wilder
Layla Wilder
Wilder is potentially the most athletic player on every court she walks on. She’s extremely tough to stop when she get going downhill both in transition and in the half court. Her athleticism and “want to” also make her tremendous on the ball defender. If she can continue to develop as a passer and shooter, she is a kid that’s loaded with potential, and plays off Ward’s gravity really well when she gets the chance to attack a long closeout.
Bernard (Jr) is a 6’1 post loaded with potential. She is already a huge presence defensively in the middle, and a terrific shot blocker and rebounder. Really take pride in controlling the paint on D. Offensively, she’s a consistent shooter out to 15ft, and her has recently begun taking and making 3’s as well. If Bernard can expand her game to the perimeter, it will give Ward even more room to operate. Makes a great tandem with Ward offensively as they play off each other well.
Defensively, the Bernard, Wilder, and Ward trio is just lights out from the length and athleticism perspective.
Highlights
Crick (Sr) played big minutes last year and is a real “x factor” for this team because of her proven ability to knock down open threes. The best team have multiple shooters on the floor at all times, and Crick proved she can be a reliable outside threat last season. If she can make another jump in her game this year, it will alleviate pressure off Ward, and give this them some much needed versatility.
Ashley Crick Ashley Crick 5’6″ | SG Stewart’s Creek | 2024 State TN is another wild card, as she will be transitioning from backup PG to running the show. If she can play with confidence, and learn how to control the offense, and how to get the best scorers the ball in their spots, she will be a big difference maker. She was also an adequate shooter last year, and if she can make another jump, and become a more reliable three point threat, then she will add another dimension to the offense.
Overall:
While another 29 win season doesn’t look like foreseeable, winning 20+ games and making a run at a district championship certainly is. Stewarts Creek has a D1 talent, a 6’1 post, a lighting quick guard, and a shooter…along with a defensive scheme that gave opponents fits last year. This team will be well coached and tough to be every single night.