James B Hunt High School | Articles | Athlete Profile

Week 8

20170102_074314

2016 Winners!

I’m back and so is your Hunt Girls Basketball update and shout outs. Lets begin with The Farris & Farris Christmas Tournament. Congratulations to all of the girls for their hard work and determination.  Kayla Kent was named MVP for the tournament.  Also joining her was Destinee Pierce, Bryson Lee, and Tatianna Smith. We had to beat Smithfield-Selma in round one and Beddingfield for the championship.  Thank you to all the fans for your support.

Next up the most anticipated Kinston revenge. You can definitely say one thing about Kinston girls, they are tenacious.  We hit 18 free throws that game, which was compared to the 10 in the previous game versus Kinston. We outscored them in the 1st and 3rd quarter, 10-4 and 17-8.  A wise coached once said, “If you can win the first 4:00 minutes of the 1st and 3th quarter, and the last 2:00, you win the game”.  I think when I read that from Lee Miller it really hit home with this team.  We had 9 girls score that game, which I believe is what is causing us to be successful this season.

In an interview in August, I was asked many questions about how I was going to coach this team.  A philosophy that my high school coach, Jerry Hunter, instilled in us is that basketball is a team sport and everyone contributes to the wins and loses. That means in practice everyone should give 100% to push players to improve their skills.  Players never know when it may be their turn to take over the reins.  To be the best you have to play against the best. I love my team and the depth we have on our bench.  They are all improving and showing me the heart they have to succeed. Kinston proved that everyone was up for the challenge.

Rolling into our first conference game at Northern Nash, I will admit was highly anticipated. But with our 3rd quarter intensity and four 3 pointers from Imani Sutton we got of to the right start.  Sutton has really sparked something the last few games.  I am excited to see this change and focus in her.

Now onto to our second conference game against Southern Nash. I told the team to not under estimate anyone and they took this game too lightly, coming out as the Wilson Times sad “in a fog”. It was something alright, we could buy a basket or layup in the first quarter.  But thankfully once again we came out in the 3rd quarter with Kayla Kent this time hitting three 3’s and two 2’s just in the third quarter.  Again these girls always suprise me.  I never know who is going to be the saving grace to start hitting baskets or  getting steals.  Whatever it is that they do after a good fussing out at half time.

Shouts outs

Bryson Lee always reliable hustle defense.  She had a season high against Smithfield-Selma with 11 points.

Bria Griffith again has showed intensity in her defense. She had her season high of 9 points against Kinston.

Rachael Cox has earned some extra playing time with her improvement on defense and anticipation.  She has also scored her first Varsity bucket in the Smithfield-Selma game.

Brianna Tucker had 9 pts against Kinston, not her season high, but she offers invaluable steals and hustle every game.

Destinee Pierce shut down Kinston the second visit. With  11 points and 3/3 on the line. She put in 14 points against Northern Nash with 6/10 at the line. With a new role in our press, she has really increased the pressure for other teams.

Kayla Kent  came off a two game slump to prove she is a great player knocking down 22 points against Southern Nash.

Jashay Hunter suffered a back injury in weightlifting but still came out the next day to add to the upbeat tempo of our offense only to come out with an ankle injury.  We hope it is just minor but we are waiting to see.  She is always  hustling with all smiles, and a great player to coach.

Tatianna Smith was out with chest pains for our Northern Nash game.  We are glad to have her back and healthy.  Before her injury she put up 13 points against Kinston.

Dylia Lucas has also come of the bench to show improvement in the post position and is showing great strength and confidence in her play.

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