Team Previews: Independence, Sherman, Westside

PARKERSBURG - Both Westside and Independence will play in perhaps the most competitive region in Class AA, this year. State power Summers County and Wyoming East call the region home, as does the reigning and fully-loaded Class AA state champion James Monroe Mavericks. The fight for the one remaining state tournament spot, as it is largely believed, even among the regional coaches, that James Monroe will return to the state championship, is going to be heavy for whoever avoids JM in the regional tournament.   The Sherman Tide faced down a competitive schedule, one season ago. Placed in Class A's Region III, the Tide finished the year 11-13. They lost to state tournament qualifier Webster County in the regional tournament. The Tide will face another loaded schedule as it looks to make its way to Charleston's Vandalia Health Center upon season's end.   Here are the Westside, Sherman, and Independence girls who are interested in playing at the next level:    Goodson works. And, works. And, works. And, works. She's never missed a practice. She's never missed a game. She doesn't miss very many shots. Over the course of her three years as a Patriot, she has scored over 1,000 points in a multitude of ways. She is the type of player every coach hopes to build a program around. She has earned everything that has come her way. She is relentless, there are no possessions off and no practice reps wasted. Her consistency speaks louder than any state line ever could. She may not be the loudest in the room but she is the strongest example in it. Her commitment to improve is constant. When any coach needs a bucket, a stop, or a spark, Goodson delivers consistently and without hesitation.       Browning always wants to get better. She will play anyone, anywhere, at any time. She plays in rec leagues all over the Kanawha Valley. Her frame is ideal for NCAA Division II basketball. One thing I like about her the most? She is a rebounding guard, who likes to push the ball up the floor in transition and catch the defense napping. She is very physical from her time in the rec leagues. Her biggest strength? She can play three positions, and she looks comfortable in all of them. She could help out a school in the area.     Lilly is the type of player any coach would love to have on their team. Strong and aggressive, this young lady is always on the move on the basketball court. She cuts and screens and rolls and weaves. Thanks to her constant movement, she's more often than not in the right place at the right time. Last year alone, she averaged 11 rebounds a game. Yes. 11 rebounds. She's also a quiet scorer, who by the time the fourth quarter rolls around and you look down at a scoring book, she would have 15 points. How does she get her points? She is more of a slasher who crashes the boards for put backs, but she can hit at all three scoring levels.     Paynter could average a double-double for the Westside Renegades. Easily. Strong and physical, she loves to battle down low and finish around the basket. She can also step out and hit a 15-foot jump shot, as she heads into the season. She's a strong foul shooter, as well. She has a great back-to-the-basket game, where she backs people into the paint and scores or draws fouls around the rim. Her passing is excellent. WHS head coach Lusk says he could run the offense around her ability to pass from the post. Concord may be a great spot for her. Their history with successful post players would help her further her basketball abilities as she earns her education.     Shannon is a classic 3-and-D player. Her game is defense and three's. Her length and great anticipation will help someone guard on ball in the press. Her limbs will generate plenty of pass deflections. She can also grab 6 to 10 rebounds per contest. She will be a solid piece to add at the next level.

PARKERSBURG - Both Westside and Independence will play in perhaps the most competitive region in Class AA, this year. State power Summers County and Wyoming East call the region home, as does the reigning and fully-loaded Class AA state champion James Monroe Mavericks. The fight for the one remaining state tournament spot, as it is largely believed, even among the regional coaches, that James Monroe will return to the state championship, is going to be heavy for whoever avoids JM in the regional tournament.

The Sherman Tide faced down a competitive schedule, one season ago. Placed in Class A's Region III, the Tide finished the year 11-13. They lost to state tournament qualifier Webster County in the regional tournament. The Tide will face another loaded schedule as it looks to make its way to Charleston's Vandalia Health Center upon season's end.

Here are the Westside, Sherman, and Independence girls who are interested in playing at the next level: