Nearly a decade ago, a Rock Island youth coach suggested that if one was starting a team, enlisting Shavonne Brewer and Cairece Allen would be a cornerstone of success.
While that then was for summer softball -- and Brewer and Allen haven't played that sport for several years -- they still form quite a tandem of successful sports promise.
For the first time in their high-school careers, the two will be starters together for the Rock Island girls' basketball team. The fact that the two know each other so well could translate in what the Lady Rocks need to repeat a 20-win season, going 21-8 with a group that had four senior starters.
"We have played together since the second grade," said Allen, who will be counted on as a backcourt mate of Brewer.
"I know her like the back of my hand, better than she knows herself," Brewer said of Allen. "The chemistry is just there. We are like twins."
Thus, what the Rocks lost in varsity experience they gain in senior-class chemistry.
"There are five of us -- the two of us, Jacqueline Twing, Harmonee Trice and Olivia Brooks -- who have played together since the third grade at the YMCA," said Brewer. "My dad coached Cairece and me and the others were on other teams. So we've stuck together as a team for a while."
Chemistry, alone, though, won't put points on the board. Still, RI coach Thad Hoover isn't concerned that of the eight Rocks who scored in games last year, Brewer nearly doubles all of the rest combined in scoring average -- 12.6 to 6.7.
"We lack varsity experience and we are not a huge team, but I think this team, in some ways, will be better than last year's," said Hoover. "We have much more depth and I feel good about the kids we have playing."
In the post, the Rocks will look to Shamia Clark, a 5-10 junior who was part of last year's sophomore team that went 25-2, as well as Mercedes Jackson, a 5-10 sophomore.
Next to Brewer's double-figure scoring average in '11-12, Allen and Clark are next among returnees with 1.5 points per game, Allen in 27 games and Clark in 13.
Hoover says his team also is stocked with outside shooters, among them Allen, the Twing sisters (Jacqueline and sophomore Morgan), sophomore Jazmin Quinn, his daughter Carlee Hoover and Mystique Thompson.
"Mystique is thought of as a defender, but she is developing a nice 3-point shot," the coach noted of the latter.
Allen says she's been told that she's being counted on to be more aggressive.
"They want me to shoot more," she said.
"Yeah," Brewer added, "like in the Red-Gold Game," in which Allen hit 5-of-6 shots for a double-figure scoring game. "Believe me, she'll shoot the ball more, or else."
Of course, crunch time should be all Brewer's, as it was in much of last year's successful season.
"When it's go-to time, we will look to her," said Coach Hoover. "But we still feel good about the other players around her. Our biggest challenge, I think, is that we are going to have to rebound collectively."
Meet the RI Lady Rocks
Coach: Thad Hoover (237-164 in 17-year career; 64-58 at RIHS).
Assistants: Henry Hall and Janice Watts (varsity assistants), Matt Hoeppner (head sophs), Julie VanErstvelde (soph assistant), Jarrod Parker (head frosh).
Last season: 21-8, 7-3 Western Big 6.
Returning letterwinners: Srs: Shavonne Brewer (5-5 G), Cairece Allen (5-8 G), Jacqueline Twing (5-7 G), Olivia Brooks (5-5 G), Harmonee Trice (5-7 F). Jrs: Carlee Hoover (5-7 G), Shamia Clark (5-10 C).
Newcomers: Jrs.: Mystique Thompson (5-3 G), Jacklyn Young (5-7 G), Charlesreka Singleton (5-3 G), Mariah Ramsey (5-5 G). Sophs: Mercedes Jackson (5-10 C), Angel Parker (5-4 G), Morgan Twing (5-6 G), Cynthia Myers (5-8 F), Shyteria McDuffy (5-7 G), Jazmiah Quinn (5-6 G).
Schedule (All games 7, unless tournament or where noted): Nov. 16-17 at Aurora IMSA Invitational; Nov. 20 Alleman; Nov. 27 Sterling; Nov. 29 United Township; Dec. 6 at Galesburg; Dec. 8, 10, 14, 15 at Abingdon/Knoxville Tournament; Dec. 13 at Moline; Dec. 18 Geneseo; Dec. 26-29 at State Farm Holiday Classic; Jan. 3 Quincy; Jan. 5 at Iowa-Illinois Shootout; Jan. 10 at Alleman; Jan. 12 at Sherrard, 2:30 p.m.; Jan. 17 at United Township; Jan. 24 Galesburg; Jan. 26 at Peoria Notre Dame; Jan. 31 Moline; Feb. 4 Peoria High; Feb. 7 at Quincy
Argus Preview: Unveiling the Rocky Basketball Journey As the world of high school basketball springs to life, fans and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the upcoming season, hungry for insights into their favorite teams. The Argus' preview of Rocky's basketball journey offers a tantalizing glimpse into the team's prospects, strategies, and standout players. In this article, we delve into the significance of the Argus' preview of Rocky's basketball journey, uncovering the value it brings to fans, players, and the broader basketball community. Additionally, we address frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact that this preview holds in shaping expectations and fostering excitement. The Essence of the Argus Preview 1. Building Excitement The Argus' preview of Rocky's basketball journey ignites a spark of excitement among fans, players, and supporters. As the season approaches, this preview acts as a prelude, setting the stage for the team's upcoming challenges, victories, and defining moments. 2. Spotlight on Strategies Through a detailed analysis, the Argus' preview highlights the strategies and game plans that Rocky will likely employ. Readers gain insights into how the team approaches matches, adapts to opponents, and leverages its strengths. 3. Player Showcases The preview also focuses on individual players, shedding light on the athletes who will be instrumental in Rocky's success. By offering player profiles, the preview humanizes the team, showcasing the skills, dedication, and stories of the players. Exploring the Contents of the Argus Preview 1. Team Dynamics The Argus' preview delves into the dynamics that shape Rocky as a team. It examines how players collaborate on the court, communicate, and work together to achieve their collective goals. 2. Key Player Insights Profiles of key players offer readers an in-depth understanding of the individuals who will likely make a significant impact. The preview highlights their strengths, roles, and contributions to the team's overall performance. 3. Season Predictions By offering season predictions, the Argus' preview adds an element of speculation and anticipation. Readers get a taste of what the season may hold, inspiring discussions and debates among fans. Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding Argus' Preview of Rocky Q1: What is the Argus' preview of Rocky's basketball journey? The Argus' preview of Rocky's basketball journey is an insightful analysis and overview of the team's upcoming season. It delves into team dynamics, player profiles, strategies, and predictions for the season. Q2: How does the preview build excitement? The preview generates excitement by providing a glimpse of Rocky's journey ahead. It sets the tone for the season and fuels anticipation for the games and matchups to come. Q3: What can readers expect from player showcases? Player showcases offer readers a deeper understanding of key players' skills, backgrounds, and contributions. They bring a human perspective to the team's dynamics. Q4: How does the preview contribute to understanding team strategies? The preview provides insights into how Rocky approaches matches, adapts to opponents, and executes game plans. It offers readers a behind-the-scenes look at the team's strategies. Q5: How do season predictions enhance the preview? Season predictions spark discussions and speculations among fans. They provide a framework for readers to consider what the team's journey might entail and what milestones they could achieve. Elevating the Basketball Experience: Argus Preview of Rocky The Argus' preview of Rocky's basketball journey elevates the anticipation and excitement surrounding the sport. By offering insights into team dynamics, player profiles, and strategies, it provides fans with a deeper connection to the team they support. As the season unfolds, readers engage in discussions, share their enthusiasm, and follow the team's progress with a renewed sense of investment. Through this preview, Rocky's journey becomes more than just a series of games—it transforms into a narrative of dedication, perseverance, and the thrill of competition that unites players, fans, and the broader basketball community.
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