Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/919568
24 UCW DECEMBER 27, 2017 - JANUARY 2, 2018 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS GIRLS Coach: Charles Tubbs Top returners: Nikki Cooke, 5-9, Sr., G; Desiree Smith, 6-1, Fr., F; Miya Giles- Jones, 5-10, 8th, G; Lavariah Armstead, 5-7, Fr., G; Jada Raynor-Brewington, 5-9, Sr., F. Top newcomers: Kyla Kincy, 5-10, Jr., F; Tamera Hooker, 5-7, Fr., G; Tytianna Gibson, 5-7, Sr., G. Coach's comment: "One strength is hav- ing eight returning players from last year. The weakness is we are still a young team. We plan on defending our state title and making another run this year.'' BOYS Coach: Heath Vandevender Top returners: Joey Baker, 6-8, Jr., F/G; Greg Grant, 6-8, Jr., F; K.J. Marshall, 5-10, Jr., G; Talton Jones, 6-3, Jr., G; Au'Diese Toney, 6-6, Jr., G/F; DeUmbre Ginyard, 6-4, Jr., G; Andrew Miller, 6-6, Sr., F. Top newcomers: None Coach's comment: "We have five D1 guys, so I have high expectations from this group. We play another tough schedule and are still young with only one senior. Each season and group is a different journey. I am looking forward to seeing what this group can accom- plish by the end of February.'' GIRLS Coach: Kelvin Mills Top returners: Makayla Kimble, 5-7, Jr., G; Dakota Thompson, 5-10, Sr., C. Top newcomers: Azeris Thomas, 5-9, Fr., G/F; Kaylee Kiebler, 5-9, Fr., F. Coach's comment : "We return two starters, Kimble and Thompson, both team captains, and a good 3-point shooter in Gabi Wilson. We opened the season with two players injured, and we need them to give us a lot of min- utes. We hope to have them back by Christmas. We need to hit the ground running and come together quickly as a team. We are young, and in one of the most competitive basketball towns in the state, it will be a challenge for the girls every night we take the court.'' BOYS Coach: Kurtis Darden Top returners: Chris Dodoo, 6-7, Jr., F; Derrick Quansah, 6-11, Jr., F. Top newcomers: Trevino McCrae, 6-0, Jr., G; Junub Chuol, 6-3, Sr., G; Khauth Gatkuoth, 6-6, Jr, G; Ahmad Baker, 5-11, Jr., G; Harry Miles, 5-8, Jr., G. Coach's comment : "This year's team should be very competitive. We should be very strong defensively and hope to improve with each game throughout the season.'' Trinity Christian basketball preview by EARL VAUGHAN JR. Village Christian basketball preview by EARL VAUGHAN JR. Girls' basketball coach Charles Tubbs Girls' basketball coach Kelvin Mills Top returner Makayla Kimble Boys' basketball coach Kurtis Darden Top returner Derrick Quansah Top returner Nikki Cooke Top returner Andrew Miller Boys' basketball coach Heath Vandevender