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Saturday, December 1, 2007
Grill
Collin County, TX
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Frisco fell short one bucket and one win short of last year’s state final game, but the Lady Raccoons haven’t fallen apart. Coach Bob Rose already sees improvement from last year’s 28-9 team. Rose talks about re-purposing and reloading his Lady Raccoons for another run at state.
Two points kept the Frisco Lady Raccoons from the state Class 4A final game last year. Their 61-59 loss to Dickinson in the semifinals was enough to break most teams’ hearts and haunt coaches for years down the road. But coach Bob Rose doesn’t see it that way. His younger players, who enjoyed a taste of state during last year’s successful playoff run, are back and hungry for another shot at the championship. Plus, two new move-in players could help Frisco take the next step.
HSSTM: How long did it take for you to put your great playoff run and dramatic semifinal loss behind you?
Rose: On the drive home from Austin on Sunday after the state tournament, I was looking for what was good and bad about the past season. What we needed to improve and what we needed to keep the same.
HSSTM: Have you noticed a change, or higher level of confidence, in your returning players following their taste of the state final four?
Rose: The girls have come back as improved players from the summer. Everyone worked on their game to get better and it shows on the court. I think some of their confidence comes from knowing they have the experience of last year to draw on.
HSSTM: What's the most valuable lesson your team learned at state?
Rose: They’ve learned that setting a goal and working hard to achieve it pays off. They learned that you have to play as a team and everyone has something to contribute during a long season and playoff run.
HSSTM: Is this year's team going to play a style of ball similar to last year's, or can we expect subtle changes?
Rose: They will be better and more aggressive defensively. Offense will continue to be up-tempo and aggressive as well. We expect to shoot the ball better and improve at the free-throw line as well.
HSSTM: Shay Cooney-Williams was named District 9-4A's co-MVP as a sophomore last year, is she maturing into a team leader?
Rose: She improved over the summer and has come back a more accurate shooter from deep and seems even quicker with the basketball this season. Shay is a quiet person, but leads by example on the court.
HSSTM: You're also returning one of the area's top defensive players in Dani Thomas. Tell us what to expect from her this season.
Rose: Danielle will continue to be a strong defensive presence on the floor, but I want her to become more of an offensive threat as well. She has a strong inside game and a good outside shot. We need to get more from her on the offensive end this season.
HSSTM: Your lineup will include a newcomer in Richardson Berkner transfer Kierra Mallard. How will she fit into, or help, your team this season?
Rose: Kierra will fit right into what we like to do offensively. She gives us more depth at post and will help Danielle on the inside defensively and be a strong contributor on offense.
HSSTM: What other players do you see contributing to the Lady Raccoons this season?
Rose: Tiffany Moore was TABC All-Region as a ninth grader and is a strong 5'10" guard, that has three bright years ahead of her. She averaged 10 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals last year. She will improve on those numbers this season and will be a defensive stopper for us this season. Makenzie Simon will play a big role for us setting the tone on defense and getting out and finishing on the fast break. Kendall Schwantz and Jazmyn Dorsett are back as sophomores this season and gained invaluable experience last year as freshmen. Both can score 20-plus points on any given night. Mariah Demery and Kaitlyn Waller are both new to varsity this year. Both will get minutes in the post. Waller is up from JV and Demery is a move-in from Carrollton Creakview.
HSSTM: Is a state championship your team's official goal...if not, what is?
Rose: We have our sights set on the state tournament again this year. But we have to take it one game at a time to maintain the focus needed to improve upon last season.
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The University Interscholastic League divides its football playoffs based on the student enrollment number of qualifying high schools. VYPE asked...
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