Ledger Sports Editor

With two impressive sophomores waiting in the wings, Blacksburg girls’ basketball coach Frank Harris is optimistic about the future.

The present, though, is a little unsettled.

“Our scorers are gone from last season, so I really don’t know how the girls will do under pressure,” Harris said.

He’ll find out soon - the Lady Wildcats open the season tonight at Polk County.

“We have one goal this season and that’s to make the playoffs,” he said.

That means the Lady Wildcats must improve upon last year’s disappointing fifth place finish and 5-11 mark.

“We had a tough year,” he said. “But this is a good group of girls. They are a good group to be around.”

Leading scorer Alicia Watkins is gone, but Janeeka Sharpe, the team’s best defender, is back to run the point.

Sheria Vernon also returns in the backcourt. Leah Boshell is a key backcourt reserve.

Cortne Hull and Kellee Deal, two strong rebounders, will man the forward positions.

“Kellee is our leading returning rebounder and Cortne also does a good job on the boards,” Harris said.

Katie Harwick and Courtney Smith will share duties at center. Although both players are seniors, they saw little playing time a year ago.

“They are both inexperienced,” he said. “But they are hard workers.”

Harris is very excited about the potential of sophomores Rebekah Rowe, a power forward; and Angel Francisco.

Both players are proven scorers, he said.

“I think they have the potential to be very good players for us,” he said. “They are both good outside shooters. They just need some playing time.”

Christ Church, Southside Christian, Landrum and Jonesville are expected to be formidable again this season.

“It’s a very tough region,” he said. “We have some very good strong teams with a lot of returning players.”