sticky Posted November 6, 2006 Report Posted November 6, 2006 Crosby girls poised for another run By Michael Pineda Baytown Sun Published November 5, 2006 By most accounts Crosby had a successful basketball season in 2005-2006. The Lady Cougars won District 19-4A with an undefeated record and were ranked in the top 20. The season ended abruptly however in a heartbreaking loss to Nacogdoches in the area playoffs. Looking to take a step forward Crosby will once again enter the season as one of the top 4A programs in the Houston area with three returning starters on a squad that will boast six seniors. The Lady Cougars will enter the season as the favorite in District 21-4A although their path to the title will be made more difficult with the addition of Barbers Hill, New Caney and Huffman. The Lady Cougar season will start Tuesday when they host Thurgood Marshall. “I think the realignment was good,†CHS head coach Edwin Egans said. “It will prepare us for the playoffs if we make it. And it will help us keep our edge. Going undefeated is fine for some but we have a group of girls that are ready to take that next step.†One of those expected to lead Crosby this season is returning senior starter Creshun White. White has been a starter on the varsity since her freshman year but will be asked to assume the role of primary scorer this season. “She is our best overall player and best defender,†Egans said. “She can create her own shot. She is my type of player. There will be a transition for her but it won’t be hard for her to do. For three years she has played second fiddle and now she has to take more control.†White will fill the three spot and will be joined in the backcourt by seniors Ashley Branch and Bianca Johnson. Johnson will assume the role of floor leader as the point guard. “She is a very good three point shooter who need so look for her shot more,†Egans said. “She is very intelligent and will have more responsibility and control in our half court sets. “Ashley is a very good perimeter defender and has improved offensively at the two guard. She is hard nosed and a total team player.†Part of the Lady Cougars success over the years has been playing tough defense and the attitude required to play good defense is embodied in senior Ta’Sharra Bradley. Bradley will be looked upon for low post defense. Last season the Lady Cougars did not look to the post for offense often but that should change this season. Sophomore Chelsea Miller is expected to have an immediate impact for Crosby in the scoring column. “Chelsea moved up for the last game of the season and the playoff game last year and she got time on the floor,†Egans said. “She is 5’11 and can score against anybody. She needs to work on her defense but she is willing.†Egans expects to go nine to ten deep this season. Leading the charge off the bench will be senior Daronica Williams. Williams’ season was cut short last year when she suffered a knee injury.This season the four-year varsity member will provide instant offense off of the bench. Expected to provide depth in the pivot will be Tiawanna Pitre and Nikkolette Mora. Krizia Victor will be in the mix but is not expected to be available until district due to injury. Jasmine Anderson, LaQuisha Walker and Rhadaya McCallister will all provide depth in the backcourt. “They understand their roles,†Egans said. “It won’t play major minutes but they will contribute. They are coming off of the JV and are used to winning.â€
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