By Brad Greer

As South Panola girls head basketball coach Jemmye Ann Helms sorted through the team’s brand new tennis shoes, her eyes let up when asked about  the expectations of the  2018-19 squad.

“This will be the most athletic and balanced teams in the three years I’ve been here We have more kids that can score than other years when we relied on just one player. We’ve got some kids that can shoot the three and can run the floor. The  one thing we need to improve on is our conditioning because there were times last season where we would be completely gassed at halftime. Otherwise i really like our team,” said Helms.

Despite having a losing season, the Tigers advanced to the North 6A playoffs where they lost to Murrah in the opening round but will be looking to make another post-season appearance.

Three-year starting point guard Marshala Doyle returns along with Kaniya Ford as the only two seniors on the roster. Juniors Aziyah McGhee, Takyra Webster and Ladayshia Robinson rounds out the starting lineup. Sophomores Bailey Ware and Crystal Mayes will see valuable playing time also.

“Marshala and Kaniya both have the potential to have really big seasons. Chole Morgan had one of the best senior year anybody has had since I’ve been here and while she’s going to be hard to replace, we are looking for those two to provide leadership,” said Helms.

Helms plans on running a motion screen offense instead of last year’s five-out set which will be beneficial to the team’s focus on something new.

Other members of the Lady Tigers are: Teddera Patton, McGheyla Patton, KeAmber Jackson, Nahriah Connor, Crystal Mayes and TyTiana Suggs. LaCambris Burgess is the assistant coach. Statisticians are Octavia Jackson, Christy Hubbard and KJ Hentz.

South Panola tips off the season Thursday  at Lake Cormorant beginning at 5 p.m