By Chris Parker
Richland girls basketball has a new head coach in Brandon Robinson this season. He takes over a program coming off a seven-win season.
“As a new coach, we will test out a few things early then decide what works best,” Robinson said. “I just want to play to my team’s strengths and do what I feel is the most effective and what the girls feel most comfortable doing.”
Lexi Burns (junior forward/center), Kamryn Kardosz (sophomore guard/forward), Monica Smith (junior guard), Andi Wans (junior guard), Isabelle Bowling (junior guard) and Jimmie Sufficool (sophomore guard) are all returning players.
Robinson on Burns: “All-conference player last year. Has really good balance around the basket and can use her size to create mismatches. Able to make shots and post up.”
Robinson on Kardosz: “Has a really good basketball IQ who can shoot and drive. She is long and a good athlete. Had a good freshman season playing the point. This season will be back at natural position as two-guard/forward.”
Robinson on Smith: “Strong girl who rebounds and defends. She gets to the basket and finishes well and plays hard.”
Robinson on Wans: “A fast guard who can make shots and create for her teammates. She defends well and has the ability to create turnovers.”
Robinson on Bowling: “A role player who can do a variety of things. Works hard and competes.”
Robinson on Sufficool: “This girl loves basketball and is a great teammate. She works hard all the time.”
Mallory Moss (freshman guard), Schona Looney (junior guard), Brooklyn Moore (freshman guard), Ali Cambier (freshman guard), Jordan Payne (senior guard), Jayda Sullivan (junior forward), Ashlyn Ogle (freshman forward), Claire Cherri (sophomore guard), Kylie Stenson (junior guard) and Nina Tsatsalashvili (senior guard) will all be newcomers in the mix for varsity minutes.
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“We have several kids who can score,” Robinson said. “We’re going to try to get good shots and use our speed and size to create mismatches. We will also try to create offense by getting steals and turning people over. I feel we can play several kids every night. We might be a young team, but we have several kids with varsity experience.”
Richland opens the season on Nov. 18 at the Vienna Shootout.
“We expect to compete every night,” Robinson said. “We have several girls who have a lot of varsity basketball experience and success. We will be deep and can play several girls every night. I expect us to play fast paced and score a lot of points. I want to defend full court and get after teams. As a new coach, I want to carry on the success and tradition of Richland Lady Bears basketball. I am excited about this team and our players. There are a lot of expectations for this year’s team. We just want to compete and get better every night and hopefully everything else will take care of itself.”
