Second-year Southside coach prepares for tough opponents

Even though the Lady Southerners’ overall record was 25-3, they fell short in the playoffs after being compromised by the flu last season. And with only two seniors graduating, head coach Michael Harville starts his second year with high hopes.

“We have a lot of strength and are not quite as skilled after losing those [two] guards, but we can be better in other ways,” Harville said. “We will have more size on the floor than we ever did last year. Even though we lost 42 points a game, we have things to be optimistic about.”

Southside returns seniors Kamie Jenkins, 6-1; Juliann Stevens, 5-10; and Callie Joe Robbins, 5-10; and junior Alexa Blevins, 5-6.

Jenkins has gained a lot of college attention, and the coach said she will be a strong part of the team as a post player.

“She really came along this summer with her footwork, ball handling and aggressiveness,” Harville said. “She’s got a ton of upside, and she’ll really be able to predicate our success this year because our offense and defense will be around her.”

Stevens was unable to play her sophomore year due to a knee injury early that season, but she had a great season last year, the coach said.

“She can shoot the 3 well,” he said. “She’ll play some point guard. … She’s one of our strongest guards.”

Robbins’ skills in volleyball, including her great vertical, translate well into basketball, and she fights hard on the court. She also keeps the team continuously cohesive, Harville said.

“She really seems like the glue person on our team that’ll keep things lighthearted but can make a tough play for us,” he said. “She’ll dive on the floor, block a shot and transition.”

Blevins has stepped up for injured teammates since her freshman year and has shown great improvement since then, the coach said.

“She’s a good defender with a lot of speed and plays the game well,” he said. “She seems to get out and transition. I have her this year and next year, so I am anxious to see how [her skills] develop.”

Aside from Jenkins and Robbins, senior Madison Gilmore, 5-8, will be an asset during inside plays and started some games last season, Harville said. Senior Carrigan Cossey, 5-3, did not get much starting time last season, but she will have a chance to start this year and will step into a prominent role, he said.

Harville pointed out that with the loss of two high-scoring senior guards, his starters will have to carry the load and the flow of the game, though they lack experience in that.

With the help of assistant coach Tim Appleget, Harville will prepare the team to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

“We have a lot of inexperience, so trying to get those girls ready for big moments this year and getting them in the game and giving them opportunities to prove themselves are going to be a big focus.”