Clover basketball teams ready to crank it up
The Clover High School boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams are chomping at the bit for the Nov. 30 season opener at Forestview.
Head coach Bailey Jackson’s Blue Eagles enter the new season as defending Region 3-AAAA champs.
Jackson, who won a state championship at Fort Mill before returning home to coach the Blue Eagles, said there was plenty of motivation last year when the CHS boys were picked near the bottom of the region.
“This year, we’ve been picked first,” he said. “That’s plenty of motivation to stay No. 1.”
Jackson feels this year’s team is up to the challenge. “We have a good group of guys that are working hard,” he said. “They understand what it takes and what we need to do.”
While they are in a strong region, the CHS coach continues to play quality opponents outside of the region.
“Early on, we play Hunter Huss twice,” said Jackson. “We’ve added South Pointe of Rock Hill and Forestview twice. We’re playing against about every different style you can play before we begin region play. We’re excited.”
Jackson said the key to success is to play solid defense and to keep the players healthy.
“We’ve got guys from last year’s JV team stepping up,” said Jackson. “As long as we play offense like we’re capable of, we’ll be alright.”
Seniors Justin White and Noah Lindsay know a lot about what it takes to maintain the level of play expected of a defending champion.
“We have a lot of starters returning and a lot of new people I think will make a good impact as well,” said White. “If it all blends together, I think we’ll be ready to go. Based on how we played last year, we’ve gained more respect.”
Added White: “We’ve got to be prepared physically and mentally this season and work harder than our opponents.”
Lindsay, the Blue Eagle football team’s quarterback the past three seasons, once again is making the transition from football to basketball. “I’m working my way in basketball shape,” he said. “Basketball is nonstop movement all of the time. I’ll come around.”
Lady Blue Eagles ‘rebuilding’
Coach Sherer Hopkins’ Lady Blue Eagles are primed for the coming season.
“We’ve been active in the offseason,” Hopkins said. “They’ve done a good job in the weight room and have worked really hard doing the things we ask them to do.”
Hopkins said the Lady Blue Eagles are a program on the rise.
“We’re making progress getting the program where we want it to be,” she said. “It’s always interesting when the season starts, trying to get in shape and those kind of things. We’re excited about the group we have.”
Said Hopkins: “We lost four or five players due to injury and graduation. We do have some rebuilding to do. This group’s done really well. We had a great summer and a good preseason.”
Several Lady Blue Eagles gave their thoughts about the season.
▪ Lynsey Comalander, senior guard: “We had a busy June with the CHS girls’ program. We even joined an AAU team and all played together. This team has potential. We have the skill but we don’t have anything if we don’t have any heart. As a senior, I want to lead the team. We know all of the basics. My senior year is special. I know we can do it.”
▪ Lilly Wallace, junior forward: “We have a lot of scrimmages and will see a lot of action before we have our region games. I’m working on my mental game and getting my self-confidence up. I am also trying to transition into an outside player to get my shot better and things like that.”
▪ Taylor Morneault, junior guard: “I feel like we have a lot of chemistry this year. A lot of us have been playing together throughout the year, not only on this team but on travel teams as well. You can’t get us apart. I will take the mid-range shot but I’m mostly a player that drives to the basket. I am more of a driver and a disher off the penetration dribble.”
▪ Renee Carter, sophomore forward: “I feel like I improved my game over the summer and have matured from last year. I use my quickness to work my way inside. I’m setting a goal for myself to continue to show improvement over the season. The key to success this season is for all of the players to work together as a team and to try harder.”
This story was originally published November 17, 2015 at 4:21 PM with the headline "Clover basketball teams ready to crank it up."