By Gene Stanley/Sports Correspondent
Gadsden City High girls basketball coach Jeremy Brooks likes the word “balance” to describe his 2013-14 team.
Gadsden City last season went 22-9, won the area title and made it to the Northeast Regionals.
With the inside presence of senior center Troy signee Dajia Williams and the presence of several shooters, balance is a good description.
“So far, we’ve had balanced scoring,” Brooks said. “I hope they can continue to focus and play team ball.”
The two best shooters are both freshmen in Haley Troup and Brooke Burns. Troup transferred from Southside over the summer.
Both girls already have significant varsity experience.
“Brooke is like a junior because she’s already played two seasons,” Brooks said. “And Haley brings another dimension. She’s a good shooter and a super athlete.”
Then there’s the slasher in junior Takara Blount.
“Takara is extremely athletic and is able to go to the basket with ease,” Brooks said.
Rounding out the top five is the “Microwave,” or Taylor Tucker, also a junior.
“When Taylor gets hot, she can shoot as well as anyone,” Brooks said.
Don’t expect to see these five start every game, though. Brooks plans to rotate according to the chemistry and on who is hot.
There also are plenty of good players on the bench, including seniors LaShundra Treadwell and Tiara Macon and juniors Kiari Kinnie, Tansley LaCount, Yakila Williams and Ebony Malone.
The Titans will play a difficult schedule and Brooks feels that the schedule will help come February. Gadsden City’s Class 6A, Area 9 competition includes Oxford, Pell City and Clay-Chalkville.