After posting a 20 win season, and a second place at the Charleston Holiday Tournament, morale is definitely high as the Charleston Girls Basketball team begins their season at Mattoon.
One of those in Trojan nation that is excited is Head Coach Jeff Miller, who produced the second 20 win season, in only his second, says that he’s excited about some of the talent that returns to the Trojan bench this season.
“In my opinion, we have the best player in the conference in Stephanie Harper” said Miller. “She’ll probably be an all state candidate, and a tough player to stop.”
Harper returns to a Charleston team that saw four players graduate from last year’s squad. Harper, a threat in the post was an all conference selection in 2007.
Other players returning include Haley Sparks and Holly Wholtman at the guard position. Both saw minutes at the varsity level and at the JV level as well. “Haley is going to be our point guard this season,” Said Miller. “But if she gets in foul trouble Holly can slide over and play the one spot if we need her to.”
One of the obstacles that the Trojans will have to overcome, is the schedule. Taking on cross-county rival Mattoon in the first game of the season, will be no easy task. But the Robinson Holiday tournament presents new difficulties. Charleston plays at 9 a.m. on Saturday, and then again at 8 p.m. no easy task.
Back to back games against the first and third place finishers from 2007 Salem and Effingham, respectively, will be a tough early season test for the Trojans. But a goal for the season will certainly to bring home the hardware as the host of the tough Charleston Holiday Tournament.
Charleston beat Effingham in the semi-finals last season on the backs of Kayla Blagg and Stephanie Harper, both of whom were named to the all tournament team.
Back to back games again against those tough teams in the Wildcats and Hearts kick start 2009 for the Lady Trojans. But Charleston will finish with three consecutive in front of the home fan’s at Baker Gym.
Every summer, there is one player who makes giant steps to make a difference at the varsity level, according to coach Miller, that player is April Lunt. A sophomore, Lunt will see immedaite minutes as a varsity member. “She’s done a tremendous job for us” Miller said. “She’s grown like 4 inches since her freshman year. She’s a great rebounder and has a great midrange jumper.”
How does Miller think his team will shake out this season?
“We’re not going to be as deep as we were last season, we’ve got a different team, a different style. But I can guarantee that we’re going to come out and play hard.
The Lady Trojans kick off their season at Mattoon on Tuesday, before opening the home schedule against Altamont on the 20th.
Tags: April Lunt, Charleston Trojans, Haley Sparks, Holly Wholtman, Jeff Miller, Stephanie Harper
