New hoops coach has high expectations
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Sports Editor larry@gaffneyledger.com

Stacey Parris has the formidable task of rebuilding the Gaffney girls basketball program which finished 7-13 a year ago and 4-8 in the region - and she appears up to the challenge.

"We will put a lot of emphasis on building a complete program," said Parris, who played collegiately at Wofford and coached at Spartanburg Methodist.

That means weight training, summer workouts and camps.

"I'm very excited about this," said Parris, "The kids seem eager to win and seem to be refocused."

Parris has been busy installing a system that features a fast-paced offense and pressure defense.

That style will be on display Friday when the Lady Indians open the season Friday at home against York.

Although the lineup is still unsettled, seniors Breanna Watkins and Tiarra Morris will be the likely starters at guard. Both players saw action last year.

The remainder of the roster will be sophomores and ninth-graders.

One of those freshman, Paris Davidson, will start at forward, while guard Tierra Phillips and forward Holly Wolff round out the starting lineup.

Keisha Leach will play important minutes as a reserve point guard.

The Lady Indians tied for fourth in a preseason poll. Parris said her goal is to secure a playoff spot and finish with a .500 or better record.

LADY INDIANS TIP OFF SEASON

The Lady Indians open the season under new coach Stacey Parris on Friday against visiting York.

The roster is made up of two seniors, sophomores and ninth-graders. Breanna Watkins and Tiarra Morris are the only returning starters.