Rye anxious to see how Cougars progress

As Matthew Rye launches into his second season as head coach of the Starkville Christian Cougars, he is excited to see how his teams progress throughout the year. “I think both teams are familiar with the system schemes,” Rye said. “Hope- fully that will lead to playing with more confidence and provide more leadership opportunities for both teams.”

The Cougars have three solid seniors Holden Gines, Eigen Ballard, and Lakendrick Harris.

Rye said that each player brings something different to the table.

“Eigen is a great shooter and Holden is a good wellrounded player,” Rye said.

Cael Chrismond and Harris are two new faces in the starting lineup. Both players bring critical assets to the team.

“Harris has been

very big on the offensive boards scoring double figures the past two games,” Rye said. “Chrismond has led the team at point guard with consistent poise and presence. We’ve got some young guys who have improved. I’m excited to see how they utilize their full potential.”

Girls

Madelynne Goodson and Tanner Smith, the seniors for the Lady Cougars, have been in the program for a while now and know what is expected.

As of right now, Smith, the returning point guard and leading scorer, is out with an injury, so the team is going through an adjustment process without her. She should be back in action in the next few weeks.

“Everybody has a role.” Rye said of his SCS girls. “Smith at point and Goodson

at post both show leadership all around. Mackenzie Murphy and Jayla Riddle are two 10th graders that are becoming big key rebounders.

Lana Ballard a junior guard is having to fill the role of point guard and adjusting to this position.

The Cougars will be on the road to Oxford to face Regents School on Friday night