Youth leads the way for Lady Bengals
By Tom Dodge
While the first official practice is still three months away, Louisiana State University at Eunice head basketball coach Michael Bari is chomping at the bit to see what his young team will accomplish in 2008-09.
LSUE finished last season with a 22-9 overall record and a berth in the District B finals in Overland Park. Kan.
The newest version of the Lady Bengals will only have three familiar faces from that team as Mallory Thornton, Danielle Morgan and red shirt freshman Courtney LeBlanc return for their sophomore seasons.
Bari spent the spring and summer looking to fill the huge vacancy left by departing stars who included Kayla Armstrong, Chelsie Guillory, Annsley Stoma and Jessica Pipkins.
“Thorton (Sam Houston) saw limited time as a point guard,” the coach said. “Morgan (Airline) had two huge games for us as she had double digits in rebounds and hit some big threes against Southern of Shreveport.”
LeBlanc (South Beauregard) sat out last season with a knee injury but is expected to see action for the Lady Bengals this year.
“This is the first year where I can say we are balanced,” Bari said of his roster. “We have some true post players and some forwards, shooting guards and some point guards.”
Newcomers include three signees from Iota: Candace Lacombe, Lindsay Miller and Angel Simar.
The Iota Bulldogs won back-to-back state titles and Bari feels the Iota trio will be a great addition to the LSUE program and should contribute right away for the Lady Bengals.
“We have a number of good players coming in but I am pretty high on Candace,” Bari said. “She is going to prove she is a quality player,” he said. “I don’t she got enough credit for the shooting ability that she has but she can handle the ball, she is tough inside.
“I think she is going to be one of the best players ever to come through here when it is all said and done.
“Lindsay is not going to be flashy but she is going to get an open rebound and put it back in,” Bari said of Miller. “She can shoot the three, she is going to make the smart move and she is not selfish.”
While Lacombe and Miller’s talents are already impressive, Bari said Simar’s best playing days are still ahead of her.
“Angel basically planted herself under the basket for Iota and wasn’t a huge factor,” he said. “But we have moved her away from the basket and she has shown great skill from the perimeter. I think she is going to be the sleeper out of the whole deal.”
Bari said former Avoyelles star Quanessa Batiste is transferring from Tallahassee Community College and as a sophomore should bring some college experience to the squad.
“She can run the floor, she can shoot the three and she is a slasher,” the coach said. “She is a really good player and she should pay immediate dividends.
“With her and Candace on the floor that gives a strong one-two punch out there as far as inside outside type of players that can slash and run and do some things.”
Seirra Goldwire from Efferingham, Ga. is LSUE’s first out-of-state recruit as she will provide the presence down low the Lady Bengals need.
“We are hoping she can learn the system and play right away for us,” Bari said.
Jennifer Hicks from Bossier City should also contribute as a freshman as she is a “great midrange shooter and has good jumping ability inside.
“I think she is going to be a special player as she has the attitude that she wants to go and wants to play at a higher level. She is a hard worker.”
Bari said former Kaplan players Amelia Broussard and Shaina Comeaux bring their great successes with them to Eunice.
Opelousas Catholic standout Amanda Fontenot is a good shooting point guard who Bari said will “bring some energy to the court.”
Other incoming players include Jesselyn Bolden (Kinder), Nicolette Clavin (Pickering), Charmickia Lavine (Vermillion Catholic) and Church Point’s Kassie Latiolais.
“Chemistry-wise and how we fit the kids in piece by piece I think we have the potential to have a very successful season.” Bari said. “My only concern is that we are young, so early on we are going to make some mistakes.
“If we can gel quickly, I think that will help,” he pointed out. “Our schedule is pretty tough so we may stumble at times. But if we can get over those hurdles I think we have a chance to be a pretty good team.
“I think this team has the potential to be the best team we have had here,” Bari said. “If we get a couple of key wins early and our confidence level goes up. we are going to be able to do some things.”
LSUE opens the season Oct. 31 hosting Andrew Community College in the Lady Bengal Classic.
Pre-season practice begins on Oct. 1, but the team is involved in off-season weight training and other exercises.