By By Austin Bishop/The Meridian Star
Nov. 1, 2001
The Lady Eagles of Meridian Community college hung up some big numbers on the way to a 26-5 record last year, but there was one thing missing.
After two straight Region 23 Tournament titles and consecutive trips to the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kan., the Lady Eagles came up just short last season.
But second-year head coach Hillary Allen has added some depth and size to his team as MCC seeks its third Region 23 crown in four years.
Among those is 5-foot-8 sophomore forward Genice Terry, a reverse transfer from the University of South Alabama.
One of the shortcomings for the Lady Eagles last year was inside scoring strength.
That shouldn't be a problem this year.
While sophomore Felicia Washington of Velma Jackson High School will be counted on to help on the inside, Allen is looking to 6-foot-2 freshman post Cantea Brown to carry a lot of the load.
Erica Starks will be counted on to provide some help on the boards, as will 5-foot-11 freshman Nikki Yarbrough.
Also helping out on the inside will be 6-foot-2 freshman LaShawna Canty of Joliet, Ill.
Other sophomore being counted on to contribute are 5-foot-9 froward Eva Lockhart and 6-foot-2 post Monickia Fresby.
Other freshmen looking to get into the mix are Brooke Hudson of Kemper County High School, Tiffany Portis of Northeast Lauderdale, Chelse' Alford of Meridian High School and Sophie Cabald of Uniontown High School in Pennsylvania.
The Lady Eagles open the year at home tonight against Coahoma at 6 p.m.
One game to look forward to is a Feb. 4 home battle against East Central Community College, last year's Region 23 champion.