Lady Redskins hope to be ECOL’s surprise team

COSHOCTON – Conceding that two specific schools were the favorites to win the divisional title, Paul Bowman is still not going to sell his team short as the 2013-14 season unfolds.

“Of course, we’re looking to get a few more wins. River View and Rosecrans should be at the top of the small division but we should be able to compete,” said Bowman.”We need to win some more league games and maybe prepare us for the tournament at the end of the year.”

The Lady Redskins are young and relatively inexperienced with just two seniors but the youth of the team is helping solidify the program to the point where the rest of the East Central Ohio League will take notice.

Javanna Ramsey, a 5-foot-3 guard and Kylie Brown, a 5-9 post are the two lone seniors and will be providing leadership for the underclassmen.

Bowman hopes Brown will be able to make up for lost time as she missed most of last year with an injury while Ramsey will provide valuable playing time at a guard position.

“We will have a little more size than the past few years which could help,” Bowman said.

Among those providing size along the front line are juniors Hannah Lain, a 6-0 post and Katie Tupper, a 5-10 forward/post. In addition are sophomores Asia King, a 5-11 post and newcomer Lauren Hire, a 5-10 forward/post, whom Bowman believes will be a contributor off the bench.

Bowman also expects a key role to be filled by 5-8 sophomore guard Carly Livingston.

Also pushing for playing time are freshmen post Felica Merck (5-8), forward/posts Selena Murray (5-9), Cierra Navedo (5-8) and Madison Ashcraft (5-8) and guard Kelsey Crown (5-6).

While five of the players are returning letter winners, one of the challenges the team has to contend with will be ball control.

“We need to handle the ball better than previous years,” Bowman said. “We need some other kids to step up off the bench.”

He sees Ramsey, Ashcraft and Nevado possibly filling those voids.

The Lady Redskins’ preseason scrimmages included tests against Ridgewood, Buckeye Trail and Mansfield Christian.

The Lady Redskins opened the season in the Wigwam Nov. 23 against Licking Valley and were at Indian Valley Nov. 26. In addition to those being non-league rivals, Coshocton will also face John Glenn, East Knox, Danville, Conotton Valley, New Lexington and Newcomerstown.

A tough stretch of the season comes when Coshocton faces six road games in an eight-game stretch between Jan. 8-27.

“We had a good summer and hope that will transition into this season,” Bowman said.

Bowman is assisted by Donald Hilty and Craig Hamilton.

Category: High School, Sports