Andrews Girls Looking for Best Season Yet
By Neill Kirkpatrick
Special to the HSSR
Goose Creek – The Andrews Yellowjackets girls basketball team has had a tough time since head coach Tevin Wallace took over the program three years ago as they have managed to win just four games in that time but it was also a time that coach Wallace was getting a young team to play hard every time out on the court no matter the score.
The lumps they have taken are starting to show the growth of the team as these young ladies have gotten older and stronger as well as the understanding of what coach Wallace expects of them. It has translated into a 4-3 start to the season and expectations
“Our growth has been huge. Being thrown into varsity competition so early forced them to learn quickly, and now you can see the difference in their confidence, their decision-making, and their toughness. They understand the speed of the game, they communicate better, and they’re starting to take ownership as leaders,” said coach Wallce. “The physical development has been noticeable too—stronger, faster, and more comfortable under pressure.”
Coach continued, “This year, I expect us to take a major step forward. We’ve spent the last two seasons rebuilding, and now the experience is finally catching up with the talent. My expectation is that we compete every night, play with discipline, and show the maturity we’ve been developing. I believe this group is ready to turn the corner and establish a new standard for our program.”
The Yellowjackets top three returning players have plenty of varsity playing experience despite all being under classmen in juniors Chole Skipper and Camaria Gibson and sophomore Makayla Singleton. Gibson currently leads the team in scoring at 15.7 ppg. And in steals with 10 on the year. She is a very versatile player who handles the ball, can defend and impacts the game in several ways.
Singleton is second in scoring on the team at 11.1/ppg. Coach Wallace says she improved in her ability to score and defend. She has become a steady presence on both ends of the court.
One of the team’s top three-point shooter has been Skipper. She brings leadership and consistency to the team. She is averaging 7.9ppg.
Joining the Yellowjackets top three players are several other players who have started during the year in seniors Ariel Holloway, Jade Wallace and Miracle Myers, junior forward Christin Cooley and eighth grader Nyla Brown. Wallace is the teams top rebounder at 4.3 a game.
Rounding out the Yellowjackets roster are junior Christin Cooley and freshman Elisa Dunmore.
Coach said this about his teams playoff chances this year, “Absolutely. I believe this is the year we put ourselves back in that conversation. We’ve taken our growing pains, but now the experience and chemistry are in place. If we stay healthy and continue to buy in defensively, we can compete for a playoff spot and surprise some people along the way.”
