PERRYVILLE LADY MUSTANGS

October 28, 2012

Conference: 5-3A

Coach: Terry Smith

Assistant coach: Len Harris

2011-12 record: 14-15

Returning starters: Tori Cody (5-foot-6 senior guard, 8 points per game); Lakyn Kendrick (5-7 senior forward, 9 ppg, all-conference); and Lexa Kendrick (5-3 junior guard, 5 ppg).

Best inside players: Lakyn Kendrick and Cali Lankford, a 5-9 sophomore. Smith said they are not typical post players. “They can play with their back to the basket, score off the dribble and hit perimeter shots,” he said.

Best outside players: Smith said Cody is very versatile, a good 3-point shooter and has the knack for hitting the big shot. Lexa Kendrick, the returning point guard, is like having a coach on the floor, Smith said. Lacy Alford, a 5-7 sophomore, is a tremendous athlete. “She does a great job getting the basketball to the paint and is a great on-the-ball defender,” the coach said. Emily West, a 5-6 sophomore, is probably the Lady Mustangs’ most physical player. “She has the ability to hit the 3, blow by her defender and score in the paint,” the coach said. Sydney Bean, a 5-6 sophomore, is an exceptional shooter and does a good job getting open. Bailey Vines, a 5-5 sophomore, should make an impact from the outside, Smith said, calling her “the most improved player on the team. She can play anywhere on the floor and is very quick and explosive.”

How will you match/exceed/fall short of your finish last year? Smith said the Lady Mustangs expect to advance to the Class 3A state tournament in 2013. The key to doing so, he said, would be continuous improvement on the defensive end of the floor.”

Team strengths: Speed, depth, athleticism and scoring ability.

Team weaknesses: A lack of experience and overall size.

Games to watch: Jessieville is a typical power. Bigelow will mark the battle of Perry County. After realignment, the 5-3A this year also includes Little Rock e-Stem, Little Rock Episcopal, Benton Harmony Grove, Fountain Lake, Glen Rose, Jessieville and Mayflower.

Toughest opponent: Jessieville reached the semifinals of the Class 3A state tournament last year. Smith said he expects Bigelow to also be formidable.

College prospects: None at this time.

In a nutshell: “We have a solid nucleus of players coming back and a talented group of sophomores moving up,” Smith said. “We should be an exciting team to watch.”