By By Chandler Myers
Escambia County High School’s Lady Blue Devils basketball team has taken to the gym and began practicing for the 2008-09 basketball season.
The Lady Blue Devils are preparing to begin what looks to be a promising season, according to head coach Ray Greer.
Greer said the team is doing well in practices, with a projected deep lineup.
The Lady Blue Devils have two returning starters this season on a team that features five seniors.
Seniors Courtney English and Latesha Lee are seen as the leaders for the team. Others seniors on the Lady Blue Devils basketball team include Brittany Martin, Tiara Ankem and Megan Hartley.
English, a five-year starter, averaged 14 points and 14 rebounds per game last season.
Greer said English is the most versatile player on the team and her skills make her a threat all over the court.
Lee, a two-year starter, averaged 14 points, four rebounds and one and a half assists per game last season.
Greer said her strengths are her court awareness and her shooting ability.
Martin is a first-year player for the Lady Blue Devils that has natural ability to compete in basketball, according to Greer. Greer said she has a natural shot and could block a lot of shots with her height.
Ankem is the overall best three-point shooter for the Lady Blue Devils. Greer said she is able to score a lot of points, but her shooting the ball a lot is not a guarantee that points will be scored.
Hartley is one of Greer’s more experienced players. He said she has started several games during her career and can help lead the team with that experience.
This year Greer is taking a head-on approach with his second year as head coach of the Lady Blue Devils.
Greer said last season he taught the system as well as other aspects of basketball.
To be successful the Lady Blue Devils look at what they think makes them successful, according to Greer.
Greer said most teams look at the playoffs or a championship as successful, but his team measures themselves where success is gained.