By Brad Greer

They have no seniors and only eight players on the roster, none of whom are taller than five-foot-eight.

But there is something about the 2008 North Delta girls basketball team that their head coach Phil Douglas can not seem to quit talking about.

“These girls have been playing together for so long. They went from winning three games their first year of junior high to playing for a district championship the very next season. That speaks a lot to their heart, dedication and loyalty to what I have tried to establish since I’ve been here,” said Douglas, who is beginning his 34th year of coaching and second as the Lady Green Wave varsity coach.

With all five starters coming back from last year’s 12-15 squad, the Green Wave are looking to make some noise in District 1-1A play. Through seven games this season, North Delta has jumped out to a 5-2 record having lost in the consolation game of the Winona tournament last weekend.

Last year’s leading scorer Lauren Kimzey (Jr., 5-foot-3) returns at one guard while another junior Linsey Hebert (5’4”) is at point guard.

“Linsey has got a lot of athleticism to go along with her speed and quickness both defensively and offensively which is definitely a plus for us. Lauren averaged a little over 10 points per game for us last year and was the best outside shooter we had but Linsey has really stepped up her outside shooting this year,” said Douglas.

Junior forward Sara Waldrip (5’ 8”) currently leads the team in double-figure scoring and rebounding.

Both Kimzey and Waldrip were All-district selections last season. Junior guard Samantha Massoth ( 5’ 3”) is the Lady Wave’s other guard.

Rounding out this year’s squad are four freshmen who will see valuable playing time including guards Bradi Beard (5’4”), Laci Dubravec (5’2”), Hannah Waldrip (5’3”) and forward Jordan Pointer (5’6”).

Douglas went on to say Marvell (Ark.) and defending state champion Delta will be some of the toughest competition North Delta faces this year.

“It is always tough to compete in the division but realistically we can finish in third place. That will give us a chance to go to the North state tournament and possibly the state tournament, so I feel very good about getting out of our district this year. Our goal is getting to the state tournament.”

The Lady Green Wave’s next action with be Tuesday night at home against Winona with the junior high girls tipping off at 4 p.m.