By By Chandler Myers
The Lady Cougars of Escambia Academy have started practicing for the 2008-09 basketball season and are under the guidance of a familiar face.
Escambia Academy athletic director and head football coach Heath Gibson is taking back the reins to the Lady Cougars after two dismal seasons.
When Gibson was last coaching the Lady Cougars the team had just lost in the Final Four of the AISA playoffs in 2005. The highlight for Gibson as a basketball coach was the state championship his Lady Cougars won in 2004.
Gibson said he took a break from coaching the Lady Cougars to spend time with his family. He added that one reason he returned as the coach is to help the program raise the bar.
The Cougars are strong all over the court with several players sporting strengths, according to Gibson.
Gibson said size is a big advantage that the Cougars show as well as agility and ball handling.
The Lady Cougars have four seniors on this season’s team. Seniors Alaina Arnold, Sara Beth Davis, Malori McGhee and Andrea Nall look to lead the Lady Cougars deep into the season.
Gibson said each of his seniors have strengths of their own and they are almost all different.
Davis is a player with height on her side and is a great defender that can pull down rebounds.
McGhee is a speedy player, according to Gibson. He added that she is one fastest players he has ever had.
Nall is another quick player for the Lady Cougars. Gibson said her agility should help her lead the front of the defensive press.
Gibson said the only challenges he sees are getting his players used to his style of coaching.