Team Preview: Ripley adds depth to state qualifier

By JOE ALBRIGHT   <a href="mailto:Josephpalbright3@gmail.com">Josephpalbright3@gmail.com</a>   RIPLEY – The Ripley Vikings achieved school history, one year ago. They advanced to the state tournament for the first time. Once in Charleston, they battled their way to a Class AAA state semifinal where they fell to eventual state champion North Marion.   Many of the pieces of that team return for another shot at Charleston, but they won't be alone.   “We told the girls from Day 1 that we finally have some depth and can get to our bench,” head coach John Kennedy said. “We don't need the girls to play four, five, or six minutes a quarter but just a minute or two here and there would be huge for us.”   That's right.   Addie Morrison, Tiffany Fischer, Jillian Butler and Kendal Butler bring a new level to a team that didn't rest its starters much one year ago. On average, Ripley's top five players averaged big minutes during the trek to Charleston.   Kennedy says he is excited to have those players step into the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth spots in the Vikings' line-up. He believes each one of them brings a different strength to the rotation.   The older Butler is “an unselfish role player who has been with us for four years,” Kennedy said.   Fischer has some length on her and according to Kennedy, is an unreal athlete. Fischer will be no stranger to game action. Morgan Shanklin and her were the first two players off the bench last season.   The younger Butler is extremely athletic and plays hard. Kennedy only has one nitpick of her game. “She is still getting caught up to the high school game from middle school,” he said.   Kennedy says he can't wait for the whole team to come together. He hinted that there would be many different sets and defenses the team could run with the added depth.   “We aren't looking for any of them to be MacKennan Hall,” Kennedy continued. “We just need four or five baskets. They don't need to come in and light the world on fire because we have Sophie, Erin and Abbie E doing the bulk of the scoring.”   What is the most important thing for the new pieces in the rotation? Simple.   “The others just need to understand their roles and go out and play hard on defense, take care of the ball, rebound, and just have fun with it,” says Kennedy.   If everyone comes together, Kennedy sees no reason the team can't return to the final games of the season.   “I know crazy things happen with injuries throughout the season, but we are excited to get out there,” he said. “You coach every year to make it to the state tournament. And our girls know what it takes and they put the work in during the offseason.   “Now, they just have to be hungry.”   SENIOR LADEN LINEUP   Whoever rounds out the starting five steps into a line-up laden with experience. The final four spots on the team are filled by battle-hardened seniors [player_tooltip player_id='375427' first='Sophie' last='Nichols'], Erin Ryan, Abbie Eastman, and Morgan Shanklin. Kennedy calls the scenario a desirable development.   “When you have four starts back and they have all played for four years that is a coach's dream,” he said.   NICHOLS STILL IN CHARGE OF OFFENSE   Nichols will be the main offensive weapon for the Vikings, Kennedy shared. “She is going to take the majority of the shots – everyone knows that,” he said.   Kennedy expects they will have to run her off 1, 2 or sometimes 3 screens to get her open, but he sounds confident they will get her open. Nichols improved her strength in the offseason and is already handling several double teams in fall ball.

By JOE ALBRIGHT