Photo/Kevin Pearcey

CHHS girl’s

head coach Dyneshia Jones talks with her players during a timeout. The Lady Trojans will play Benjamin Russell today at 10:30 a.m. at Trojan Arena.

Getting to the Final Four is CHHS’s goal

By KEVIN PEARCEY

Sports Editor

The Charles Henderson Lady Trojans will take center court at Trojan Arena today for a girl’s Class 5A regional semifinal game with Benjamin Russell.

Tipoff is at 10:30 a.m.

This is the third straight year that the Lady Trojans have made an appearance in the Southeast Regionals and CHHS girl’s head coach Dyneshia Jones wants her team to realize that just making it to Troy State should not be the final objective.

CHHS was knocked off by Booker T. Washington last season in the first round of regional action.

"I want us to make it to the finals," Jones said. "We shouldn’t be happy with winning one game. Let’s keep moving on."

The Lady Wildcats come into today’s game averaging almost 70 or 80 points per game, according to Jones.

"They’re (BRHS) short and quick and they’re about the same height as us on the inside and outside," she said. "When they win they win, they’ve scored a lot of points. But when the lose, it’s somewhere in the 40 or 50 point range. They have a lot of shooters and they have some good inside players also. They’re an all-around good offensive basketball team."

Jones said this week’s practices has been one of preparation, whether it be

getting the defense situated for what Benjamin-Russell likes to do offensively, or watching film on the Lady Wildcats.

"I’ve called around to other coaches who have played them (BRHS) to get some insight on their play," said Jones. "We just have to be ready to adjust to any type of situation we find ourselves in."

During the Lady Trojans’ sub-regional 43-38 victory over Russell County, several CHHS players, including 3-point threat Kelly Miller, were sick or suffering with colds. Jones said this week has also been a much-needed time to get everyone healthy.

"They were sick and that was good since it was last week and not this week," Jones said. "But now everyone’s fine."

With CHHS’s 14-8 record, it’s a possibility that the Lady Wildcats could come in underestimating Jones’ team. All eight losses by the Lady Trojans have come to top quality competition, including two losses each to Class 6A Northview, Class 6A No. 1 Jeff Davis and Class 5A top ten Eufaula with one loss each to Class 4A top ten Andalusia and the Dothan Lady Tigers.

Of course, Jones underestimating an opponent works both ways.

"Most teams and girls at this age think that way," said Jones. "They might come lightly toward us, then again, depending on how they look to us, we might come in and take them lightly. I don’t know even know their record, which is fine with me."