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  • The GMC Prep Lady Bulldogs basketball team participated in intense scrimmages this week in preparation for the upcoming 2009-10 season. Keith Jump

    Hoops warming up for GMC Prep girls

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November 12, 2009

Hoops warming up for GMC Prep girls

Keith Jump

With sneakers screeching, sweat flowing and girls yelling, it was easy to see GMC Prep basketball coach John Griffin and assistant Todd Dennard having their team poised for another run at a state title.

“I know these girls are ready to go and they have practiced all summer to improve,” said Griffin after practice Wednesday afternoon.

In practice the team pushed each other in an intra-squad game that was not for the faint of heart. Even as teammates and friends, these Lady Bulldogs don’t hold back when it comes to playing round ball.

Whether it’s Alyssa Amerson blocking a Megan Smith shot under the basket, Lauryn Dennard stealing a DeKendra Duggans pass and scoring on a lay up or Katelyn Coburn pulling up and hitting a jumper from the outside, this scrappy bunch does not play it safe or cut each other any slack. But in the same respect, when these plays are going on, you can hear those not playing praising their teammates and even witness all the players on the court acknowledging each others’ performance.

Coaches Griffin and Dennard could be heard yelling out instructions and play selections as well as giving praise to those who were doing right. The coaches also were not afraid to stop play and explain why you should be “here” on a play or why you will be out of position if you are “there.”

The scoreboard was run by Elizabeth Craig, still chomping at the bit to get on the floor. Craig, a senior this season, is waiting impatiently to get back in the mix after an off season that saw her have major knee surgery. Next week Craig will hit the court with her fellow Lady Dogs to practice and start a new season.

The 2009-10 Lady Bulldogs will have Amerson, Craig, Dennard and Coburn back as well as other returning players Jalessa Barksdale, Christin Cox, and Karmen Fuller among others.

A more in-depth preview of the GMC Prep girls as well as boys teams will be featured in The Union-Recorder’s upcoming basketball preview section. John Milledge Academy and Baldwin High will also be featured.

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