LAFAYETTE LADY RAMBLERS
are a year older and wiser.
“I think it’s a combination of taking what we did last season, finally turning that corner and knowing that we did have a chance to win,” she said. “We set higher expectations knowing that we had opportunities and it played out with us getting some region wins.
“You combine that with the fact that we have softball players and volleyball players who are coming off successful fall seasons. They have that taste of winning already in their mouths and they want to continue that into the next (sports) program. Coming off last year with the improvements and the higher expectations and excitement for this year, I think that’s all going to pay off for us.”
Rhudy added that the strength of her team should be its overall depth.
“This is the first time in six years that I really feel like we have some depth on the team,” she explained. “We’re not just the starting five this year. I’d say we’re a pretty strong nine or 10. That’s going to help us tremendously, especially with our conditioning and getting us to that next level that we’re hoping to get to this year.”
Among the seniors, Alyssa Estus will return as a starter in the post and she is being pushed for playing time by Hailey Bryant, a senior transfer from Ridgeland. However, Rhudy said that both players are expected to see lots of playing time. Ashton Stalling will be back at guard and will help open up the floor with her outside shooting.
Shelby Eaton will provide plenty of senior leadership as she battles for playing time at a post spot, while the final senior, guard Meredith Wright, is coming off of an ACL injury. However, Rhudy is hopeful that Wright could be cleared to play by January.
The junior class is led by returning starting guard Nicky Yancy, who will provide plenty of speed and aggressiveness on defense. Another returning starter in the post is Marquila Howell, who is a solid all-around player in all aspects of the game. Megan Wilson will return after not playing her sophomore year. Wilson has a good outside shot and will battle for playing time at a guard spot, while veteran Anna Valle will be working to see playing time in the post.
Sophomore Latyah Barber (11.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.6 steals last year) is back as the starting point guard. Barber has made even more improvements to her game after an offseason spent playing AAU ball. Grace Hamilton also played AAU ball after last year’s high school season ended and she saw some starts for the Lady Ramblers as a freshman. She could split time at both guard and post.
Imani Cook saw some significant varsity minutes as a freshman last year and will split her varsity minutes this year between guard and post spots. Ashlyn Jenkins, the final sophomore, is another guard/post who has returned to the area after playing at Saddle Ridge Middle School.
The lone freshman to make the Lafayette varsity roster is guard Mykeria Johnson. A do-it-all player, Johnson has speed and tremendously quick hands on defense.
Meagan Base, who guided the Lafayette softball team to the Elite Eight this fall, will return to help out Rhudy on the bench for a second straight year, along with Devan Bruce.
Rhudy said the key will be to find the right mix of players at the right time.
“I don’t think we had enough outside shooting last year, but we have outside shooters this year,” she said. “I feel like this is the most athletic group that I’ve seen here in six years. It’s just a matter of finding the right combination between the players and what the coaches are asking for.”