Williston-Elko girls looking for extended playoff run
By David Shelton
Senior Writer
Williston – Sixth-year coach Eva Strong says her 2011-12 Williston-Elko girls basketball team has played beyond expectations this season.
Strong entered this season with a mixture of experienced talent and youth but felt the team would be competitive. Through 17 games, the Lady Blue Devils are 15-2 overall and 11-1 in region 4-A, closing in on a region title. A more experienced team last season finished third in the region.
“I felt like we had a good team returning but we lost a few seniors and I knew our depth would not be as strong this season,” said the coach. “We’ve had good leadership and some girls have stepped up and have done a nice job. This team plays the game hard and as long as we get effort, we have a chance to compete.”
Strong says the leader of this year’s team is senior forward Tierra Richburg, the team’s leading scorer at 18 points per game. Richburg also averages better than 11 rebounds per game and is a defensive presence inside as a shot blocker.
“She’s the most coachable player I have ever coached,” said Strong. “She is very knowledgeable about the game and she loves the game. She has been a great leader for us this season.”
Senior Jalen Reed is the other returning starter and is the point guard.
“She runs our show and is another really good leader on the floor,” said Strong.
Junior forward Ebony Corbitt is a starter and a key rebounder as well.
“She has really stepped up this season,” said Strong. “She really didn’t have a big role last year but she is one of our most improved players. She has been great on the boards.”
Senior Shakenya Corbett, who did not play last season, is another starter, along with sophomore Daquanda Davenport.
First off the bench is freshman Sierra Smith.
“She has great energy and is really good defensively,” Strong said.
Rounding out the roster this season are juniors Erial Thomas and Alissa Walker, along with freshman Zori Greene.
With six of the eight players on the roster expected to return next year, Strong feels the program can put together a string of solid seasons. First, however, are this year’s playoffs.
“I’d like to think we can be a factor but you never know,” said the coach. “We’d like to get past the first round and see how far we can go. Either way we’ve had a really good year. I’m pretty pleased.”
Williston-Elko closes out the season with conference games against Denmark-Olar, Blackville-Hilda, Calhoun County and Fox Creek.
