Morgan County girls’ basketball accomplished a lot last year in Milfred Franklin’s first season in charge.
The Lady ‘Dogs won 20 games for the first time in eight years and picked up a playoff win in the process; however, they are looking to improve their stock in Franklin’s second season at the helm.
Franklin is excited to see how far his program has come since March and the development of his players. The second-year coach has high expectations after losing only one senior from a year ago.
“That allows us to have a lot of veterans out there. More mature play,” Franklin said. “We’re looking to implement a faster pace-type offense this year. I’m leaning toward my starters who are returning to play considerable minutes and to lead us.”
Morgan County used a combination of different starting lineups last season. Either way, the Lady Dogs return Kymora Smith, Kenwanna “Kiwi” Lane, Jaden Young, Destiny Smith, Tanayah Briney, and Cydney Burke. Each one of those players started and contributed to Franklin’s squad last year.
However, Morgan County also has several freshmen that Franklin can rely on to contribute this year as well, including Madison Holcomb, Miracle Ward, and Victoria Snow.
“Those freshmen are going to get minutes based on how they progress, and based on how they do in practice,” he said. “Overall, I am excited because this is a great group of young ladies. They developed great chemistry through the summer, and I feel that will help in some of those close games.”
Morgan County, however, has had a rocky start to its season. The Lady Dogs are 0-4 with losses to Oglethorpe County, Lakeview Academy, Mill Creek, and Lanier.
Still, Morgan County has a long way to go and wants to be playing its best when region play starts. Last year, the Lady Dogs finished second in the Region 4-AAA standings behind Cross Creek.
So, this season, Franklin and his team have set a goal of trying to improve as the months pass while also trying to capture the team’s first region championship in a few years. He knows it can be done.
“We’re looking to make a good run at the region championship this year,” Franklin said. “We’re the only (team) out of the region that is returning a lot of players. … Cross Creek and Hephzibah are going to be our toughest competition. But I’ve been doing some (scouting), and Harlem has gotten a lot better. Honestly, this year is close to being a toss-up because it is going to be a tight race.”