MORGAN COUNTY
Morgan County Lady Dogs’ coach Milfred Franklin feels his team is hitting its stride at the right time.
Franklin’s squad is 10-9 overall and 3-1 in region competition following Tuesday’s loss to Cross Creek. The No. 7 Lady Razorbacks (12-4, 3-0) survived a scare by defeating Morgan County, 41-38.
However, Franklin and his players still have a lot to be excited about in the new calendar year.
“Our girls are starting to play together and have developed chemistry. It’s gotten a lot better over the last six or seven games,” Franklin said. “It shows with how we play and we’re 7-2 in our last nine. We’ve hit a good stride at this point and the girls are starting to understand how to play as a team.”
The Lady Dogs are a young team, with only three seniors. A majority of their younger girls such as Aziyah Robertson, Miracle Ward, and Cydney Burke have all played valuable minutes already this year.
Those few names are helping older players such as Tanayah Briney, Precious Benford, Kymora Smith, and Jaden Young in terms of depth. Together, those seven players have contributed to the team effort.
“I want them to continue to keep learning to play together,” Franklin added. “This is one of the key things I want them to understand and learn how to do, especially when it comes down to playoff time because there are going to be some games when every possession counts. And they have to know how to execute (offensively and defensively). That’s going matter down the stretch for us.”
After placing second at the Wimbley Classic at Lamar County over the holiday break, Morgan County is 3-1. Those three victories are region wins over Richmond Academy, Hephzibah, and Salem.
Burke has stepped up big-time in those three wins, averaging 16.7 points and 7.3 rebounds “Her consistency and stability have been very key for our team,” Franklin said of Burke. “She’s stepped up tremendously with leadership amongst her teammates. Very pleased with how’s she has developed. She’s made a tremendous effort to improve her defensive abilities and it has shown.”
The Lady Dogs held on to defeat ARC 48-42 to begin Region 4-AAA play. Despite not shooting well, they got solid play from Burke (eight points, 10 rebounds) and Smith (seven points, four assists). Briney also stepped up, with six points, eight rebounds, and two assists in the win.
Morgan County routed Salem 50-21 on Tuesday, Jan. 9, as Burke scored a game-high 17 points.
She was the only Lady Dog in double figures as she led them to a 29-point victory over the Lady ‘Noles.
It was more of the same against Hephzibah last Friday. Morgan County defeated the Lady Rebels, 56-17. Burke had 16 points, six boards, six assists, and three steals for Morgan County.
Franklin wants his girls to keep grinding as they have already started to find a rhythm.
“I like what I have seen the past few games,” Franklin said. “It’s just on us to keep playing consistently.”
While Tuesday didn’t go their way, the Lady Dogs hope to rebound against Harlem this Friday on the road. They’ll also be at Richmond Academy next Tuesday and against Salem at home on Jan. 26.