Marshall Girls and Boys Hoops Teams Looking to Rebound From 2010-11 Season

After a disappointing 2010-11 season for the girls and boys basketball teams at George Marshall High, the two squads are looking to improve.

Chad Scott starts a new era for the lady Statesmen as he replaces to coach at South County High. Klippenstein had been with the program for nine seasons with Scott as an assistant for the last three seasons.

“Having been in the program the last three years, I know the kids,” Scott said. “I’m very excited. It’s a great group of kids.”

The Statesmen finished with an 8-15 record last season and return their entire team, including second-team all-Liberty District player Rachel Waldron. Scott said one of the biggest problems with this year’s team is they don’t have any real height. He said his team has no room for mistakes.

“We don’t have that kid that’s going to score 20 points a night for us,” Scott said. “Everyone has to contribute.”

Waldron is hoping the eight seniors on the roster will not only contribute but also get the younger players ready for the future. The senior guard, who recently signed a lacrosse scholarship with Costal Carolina, said experience is the key to this year’s team.

“We have everyone back from last year,” she said during a practice Thursday. “I think we have a strong team.”

Second-year Head Coach Dan Hale hopes his team can erase the 3-20 record from a season ago. Like Scott, Hale said his team lacks height, with his tallest person standing 6 feet 5 inches tall. With a lack of height, Hale said his team will have to lean on experience and toughness.

“It’s another year with out system,” Hale said. “We like to be aggressive with our team’s defense.”

Hale said he was impressed with his team’s offseason dedication to improving in the weight room and on the hardwood. Several players participated in various summer leagues and played on AAU teams, Dale said.

“The biggest challenge we’re going to have is most of the best players in our league came back,” Dale said.

Watkins said he is up for that challenge.

The returning starting point guard was the team’s leading scorer last season and will look to get more teammates involved this year. The quiet Watkins said one of his goals is to put up more wins than the team did last year.

“I dedicated myself to the gym more and I know some of the other guys did too,” Watkins said. “It would be nice to win more games and personally make an all-district team.”

Quick Look:

Varsity Girls

Head Coach: Chad Scott

1st Season

2010 Record: 8-15

Key Losses: None

Top Returners: Rachel Waldron, Christine LaBarbera

2011-2012 Schedule: Click Here

Varsity Boys Quick Look

Head Coach: Dan Hale

2nd Season 

2010 Record: 3-20

Key Losses: Mo Samatar, Tim Richards

Top Returners: Latrell Watkins, Axel Boya

2011-2012 Schedule: Click Here