The Southside Southerners finished 15-15 last season just missing the postseason . Tyler Ferguson takes over a program looking to get back to the regional and state tournament . The Southerners will have some returning experience to fall back on as they navigate the difficult 4A-3 conference . Senior Tyler Carter returns as a two-year starter for Southside , along with fellow senior Tanner Elumbaugh . Carter is a high IQ player at the forward position that can score at all three levels , and Elumbaugh provides sharp shooting capabilities from the guard spot . A couple of fresh faces will hope to provide an impact at the high school level . 6 ’ 9 sophomore Kaden Williams is a big body in the post that has a soft touch around the rim and extended range as a capable shooter . Freshman Trey Allen is an athletic , tough competitor that is looking to move up and contribute immediately . After taking over in the spring , Coach Ferguson likes the combination of youth and experience and has an idea of what it will take to be successful . “ We will need to defend at a high level to be competitive . I think we will be able to score it , but the season will depend on how much pride we take on the defensive end ,” Coach Ferguson said . The Southerners will have to navigate a deep and balanced 4A-3 conference to get back to the regional tournament where they have traditionally been , but with experience , offensive power , and some young talent , NEA Sports predicts Southside will be in the mix to get back to the postseason .
The Southside Lady Southerners enjoyed a 25-6 season , an undefeated conference championship , and a district tournament championship before falling in the first round of the state tournament a year ago . Coach Michael Harville enters his second season at Southside , where he anticipates another year of adjustments to defend those championships . “ This will be the 2nd year in a row where we lose 40 points per game to graduation ,” Coach Harville explained . “ We were able to change the way we played last year to find a way to win a lot of games . This year we will be faced with the same challenge but without overall team height . I don ' t know where our points and rebounds will come from , but I know that we have a group of girls that when they put their mind to it , play competitively !” The Lady Southerners will have to adjust to role changes to defend their 4A-3 title . Senior Alexa Blevins leads the way for Southside . The three-year starter at forward is a great on ball defender and provides a lot of energy on the floor . Junior point guard Chaney McCance returns to run the Southside offense . McCance is a strong , athletic competitor that can finish at the rim . Senior Lilly Swanson also returns to the starting lineup possessing a good jumper and timely shot making . Fellow senior Madison Edington is another strong shooter that will look to hit big shots in key spots . Junior Sierra Carter should contribute coming off an ACL injury . Carter possesses a high basketball IQ and a strong understanding of the game . Guards Makenna Taylor and Kourtlynn Sutton will provide depth in the backcourt . Taylor is a crafty scorer , while Sutton is smooth at the point guard spot that could develop into a scorer . Rose Branscum hopes to make an impact on defense with her quick hands . Coach Harville and the Lady Southerners were able to adjust in the offseason and put together a winning formula a year ago , and NEA Sports predicts something similar will happen again . Look for the Southside Lady Southerners to once again battle atop the 4A- conference with a chance to make another postseason run .