Head coach: Cedric Anderson (2nd season)
Last season: 23-5, lost to Tipton Christian Academy in state semifinals
Starters lost: 2
Starters returning: 3
Players to watch: G Brianna Hall, G Raven Sims, F Jordan Allen, G Kat Turner, F Sarah Allyn Thornell, G Savanna Owens
For most teams, losing the top two scorers in program history would be devastating.
As for the Tipton-Rosemark Academy Lady Rebels? Not really.
The team will definitely have to make some adjustments with the graduation of sharpshooter Megan Sanfratello and do-everything forward Abby West, who combined for more than 3,000 points during their illustrious careers.
“Last year we knew what worked,” said head coach Cedric Anderson, who led the Lady Rebels to the state tournament in his first season as head coach last year. “This year we’re hoping to get better as the year goes along.”
Anderson, as most coaches do, is probably underselling his talented squad a bit.
Senior shooting guard Brianna Hall, who led the team last year with 18 points per game game, is back, as is sophomore Raven Sims, a super-athletic guard who scored 15 points per game last year as a freshman. Sims already has offers from multiple D-I schools.
Jordan Allen returns for her senior season and is a three-year starter. She does all the dirty work inside and is probably the team’s best rebounder. Senior Kat Turner is a great defender and crafty lefty who can knock down the 3-point shot. Also back is Sarah Allyn Thornell, a senior forward with plenty of experience.
If that wasn’t enough to put fear in the hearts of Rosemark’s DII-A competition, two new players were added who will contribute immediately.
Junior Elyse Warren is a transfer from Lausanne who led her old school in scoring and rebounding last season. Anderson says freshman point guard Savanna Owens is the best passer on the team and has the potential to play in the SEC one day.
In last year’s state semifinal game vs. TCA, Rosemark jumped out to a 12-0 lead and led by 14 in the second half before losing in overtime. TCA went on to win the state title.
You won’t hear it publicly from Anderson, but it seems pretty clear a realistic goal for this year’s team is to get back to Nashville and do some damage.
“If leadership steps up, we have a chance to be really good,” Anderson said. “We’ve got the talent.”
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