Rebuilding key word for 2019-2020 Lady Pilots

by Charles Choate
2019-20 LADY PILOTS – The Fulton County Lady Pilots are preparing for their upcoming basketball season. This year’s team consists of, left to right, Kenzie Curry, 33; Jamie’Cia McFarland, 20; Charmaine Buntyn, 12; Brookelyn Chambers, 11; De’Ayria Kinney, 23; Callie Coulson, 5; coach Leonard Smith; assistant coach Vita Lockridge; Ta Kyiah McNeal, 32; Emily Scott, 30; Rhiannon Eakes, 14; McKenzie Smith, 25; and Kia Smith, 15. (Photo by Charles Choate)
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When you go into a season after losing four senior starters, you know things can be a little difficult.

And for Fulton County Lady Pilots coach Leonard Smith, that time has arrived.

Coach Smith’s 9-17 team from last year, not only lost the senior players, but also did not have a junior suited up on the bench.

“This is a rebuilding year from the ground level. And I mean ground zero,” said coach Smith. “You know right now, I hope to win a couple of games. We want to play as hard as we can, and I want them to get the feel of playing at this level. I want these girl’s to know that they can play at this level, and during a game not try to play above what we are capable of. We want to establish and build some leadership and be positive, and just see what we can do on the court.”

To go with the mix of a very young squad, Coach Smith will have two returning players who have playing time on the high school level.

“We have some younger kids that are just beginning basketball. I have two juniors, with Callie Coulson and Brookelyn Chambers, who I will look to lead the team. I have six freshmen, and two sophomores that did not play last year. So, I guess the good thing about this is that everyone will be back next year.”

Being a veteran coach with the Lady Pilots, Smith said this season will be a test for not only the players, but for himself also.

“It’s been a long time since we have started from the ground level with a team. Usually you come back with sophomores, juniors and seniors to build on for the new year. But, I am at a point right now where this is all new to them and to me. I am going to have to be more patient, take more time in teaching both the offense and defense. But this will be a learning time for them as players, for me as to who can help us on the floor, and for the whole team in getting better for the future.”

With several practices now under their belt, and a chance work together, coach Smith said some players are starting to emerge on the floor.

“I can say that I am seeing some talent, and we have 23 games to get ready for. So, again I say this will be a learning year, with an outlook on next year as well. We will also pick up some eighth grade players toward the end that can get some floor time also. So, you know we get those five, and add them to the returning group that we have now at the high school, I think we will be okay for the next few years.”

The Lady Pilots will begin their basketball campaign Dec. 3, when they play host to Halls, Tenn.