Time is hardly a luxury for the Lady Greyhounds ahead of the basketball season, which begins Nov. 15 against Putnam County, a few days after a Nov. 12 scrimmage against Houston County.
But as Takeo Gray takes the helm for Jones County as head coach, there is one advantage in hand – a roster full of experience. Up and down the lineup, either by way or returning starters or those set for play key roles coming off the bench, there’s no lack of minutes played from a team that’s become used to postseason appearances and advanced to last year’s state quarterfinals.
Even as Gray is getting the Lady Hounds up to speed with a new system on both ends of the floor, having that much experience from time played is already showing to be a strength for JCHS, which wrapped up its first week of practice last week.
“I feel pretty good about the girls. They’re buying into how we want to play,” Gray said. “We want to play faster but also want to focus on defense. Communication is very key for us.”
That depth of experience includes two players with college offers – Mya Anderson from Fort Lauderdale College and Kamiyah Adams from Georgia Southwestern.
Other key cogs in the lineup are expected to be Aubrey Norris and Autumn Coleman.
That experience, Gray says, especially should pay off as younger players work their way into the rotation during the season.
“It helps a lot, having someone who understands what you’re saying and what’s going on, especially when you have freshmen out there,” Gray said.
