Lady Rockets look to get back on track

By Todd Martin/Sentinel-News Sport Editor

Girls host South Oldham tonight in big region tilt

Dunbar may have done SCHS girls' basketball coach Sally Zimmerman a favor.

After the Lady Rockets lost by 30 in the season opener at Dunbar Monday, Zimmerman has her team's full attention.

"It's never acceptable to lose, we're never happy with a loss, but to lose by 30 isn't going to cut it."

Zimmerman said the girls came back Tuesday with a good practice. "They were focused and were quick to adjust on some things," she said. "And they knew why we needed to make those adjustments."

The focus, she said, has been better rebounding, defense and work in the post.

"We've got to rebound better to get the ball going on the break," she said. "We were boxing out pretty well, but we weren't going after the ball. And we need to dictate things with our defense. But the biggest thing came from Raechele (Gray). She told the team that we can't be complacent with just letting these top teams get us prepared for our district and region, we need to be more competitive with these top 10 and top 25 teams on our schedule. That's coming from a player, a senior, and I think the girls have responded well."

South Oldham will come to Shelby County as one of the favorites to knock the Lady Rockets out of the top spot. The Lady Dragons have played Shelby in the region championship the last two years, coming up short both times.

However, they've got everybody back this season, including Lauren Jones, one of the top players in the region and an Austin Peay signee.

"She's an exceptional player that's right there with Raechele as No. 1-2 in the region," Zimmerman said. "She can take you inside, outside or off the dribble. We're really going to have to key on her."

Zimmerman said South seems to have more depth this year after playing nine players in the first quarter of the team's opening win over Jeffersontown.

"They're going to be a lot like they were last year, but with more experience" she said. "They mix up their defenses a little better with man, 2-3 zone, 2-2-1 full court, and they trap a lot. I think their experience allows them to do that because they've been playing together so long."

Zimmerman said defense will be the key for the Lady Rockets.

"I feel like we need to push the ball up the court, and put a lot of pressure on them in full and halfcourt situations. We need to get the ball in the post and spread it around. But most importantly I think you're going to see a vast improvement in us from the first game."