IR girls' basketball itching for the winter season to arrive
It’s been a long six months since Indian River High School’s girls’ basketball team was out on the hardwood, and it will still be a few more before their schedule starts up in November. But they haven’t, by any means, been taking the time off. The team just rounded out a summer season in Dover, establishing the new team roster, facing this year’s rivals and keeping a touch on the ball.
Coastal Point • Jesse Pryor
Ramsey Ruether fights for a rebound against a Seaford opponent last season. The girls are preparing for a strong start this season.
During their turnaround season in 2008-2009, the Lady Indians defeated Laurel to claim Henlopen South Conference title and produce the first winning record for the team in four years, under the leadership of first-year head coach John Frye. And the returning coach couldn’t be more proud of the responsibility his players are assuming.
“It’s really been a great summer for the girls,” said Frye. “They’ve really been plugging along.”
This past Wednesday marked the final playoff day for the team’s summer league, for which the girls practiced at Indian River’s gym. Games were played in Dover, at Wesley College.
“It’s important to see these girls continue the game,” Frye added. “We’re losing three of our five starters this year [to graduation], and we have to make some adjustments.”
Last year’s senior stand-out, Marnisha “Poochie” Mitchell, was named second-team All-Conference in the Henlopen South and went on to represent Indian River in the Blue-Gold Game, which draws from the state’s top players. Ramsey Ruether, another of last year’s seniors leaving the team, earned Academic All-Conference honors, maintaining a 4.0 grade-point average throughout the season. Casey Hull, an integral guard, and Miranda Hooper, last year’s top rebounder, are also leaving some shoes to fill following the departure of last year’s graduating class.
The small Indian River team carried only eight names on the roster, and replacing half of it won’t be a simple task, but at least Frye now knows what he is working with.
“We probably had the youngest team in the summer league, and we’re still going to have a young team this year,” he said. “We’ve got some talented freshmen that will be stepping it up and some returning athletes that will be sophomores.”
Among last year’s underclassmen, Kitty Cole and Destiny Blake will be coming back to help orchestrate the new team. Blake, who led the team in points last year, was named an All-Conference honorable mention. They’ll be accompanied this year by shooting sensation Brandi Buchanan, who earned first-team All-Conference last season. Buchanan will be stepping onto the court as this year’s lone returning senior.
“We’ve got some great girls coming back,” said Frye. “We’re not necessarily starting from scratch, but there are definitely some things we’re taking a look at.”
He said he’s expecting to see some things from returning center Chanel Handy, who will likely be filling the void from Hooper. “The summer program really lets me look at the kids and gets them to know one another,” Frye said.
Among the fresh faces that will be coming out for the team are the Shelton twins, Keona and Keosha, who have been perfecting their skill on the Selbyville Middle School team.
“Seeing them work together helps me know what kind of system we need to put in,” Frye stated. “The kids that live down here at the beach have been going up to Dover every week this summer, so the dedication is there. It’s all voluntary. No one’s forcing them to go up. It’s a really good experience for the kids.”
The girls faced opponents from Cape Henlopen, Lake Forest and Milford, all of whom they will face again on this year’s schedule. They also got some experience playing against the AAU team, as well as Wesley College’s freshman team, for added competition.
“I’m eager to see the girls this season,” Frye said. “They’re really going to come out strong.”
Members of the boys’ basketball team at Indian River have likewise been participating in a summer league to keep themselves sharp. Other sports have carried on summer sessions throughout the summer months, to keep athletes ready for the fall and winter schedule.
Pick up future issues of the Coastal Point for exclusive Indian River High School sports coverage this coming season.
