Greene County girls basketball is looking to overcome some of the adversity it faced earlier in the season.
The Lady Tigers head into this weekend’s games with a 3-11 record and a 1-4 mark in region play.
In the offseason, Greene County had to replace four of five starters, beginning 2024-25 with a young team. The Lady Tigers had to play a challenging first part of their schedule with a depleted roster.
“For a Class A Division II school, it was a murderous row,” Greene County head coach Steven Hopper said. “Yeah, so it’s been very tough, especially when you look at what we lost from last year.”
Greene County had to replace two All-Region players, Amauria West and Erin Dixon, and two other starters. The Lady Tigers were set to return another All-Region player, but she is out for the season due to an injury. So, they’re relying on inexperience and youth this season, which has shown.
Greene County’s youth showed in losses to Putnam County, Morgan County, Discovery, Clarke Central, and other games. However, the positive is the younger Lady Tigers played valuable minutes.
“So, I mean, you’re looking at a tough situation there,” Hopper said. “It’s been a lot of challenges, I’ll say that, considering that our ball handling is gone. Our production under the basket is gone. One of the best defenders in single A Division II is gone. So, yeah, it’s been a bit of a challenge for us.”
Despite the adversity Greene County has faced, things are already looking up. Hopper believes his younger players have turned a corner for the better, as they’re now in the middle of region play.
“I’ve got a 6-foot tall freshman that you’ll hear more about as time passes,” Hopper said. “Then I’ve got another freshman guard who can get you double digits and is a pretty good ball handler, too.”
Hopper said freshmen Ja’Neyce Hull and Denver McCummins have stepped up in the past few weeks.
Hull played a key role in Greene County’s lone region win by scoring 17 against Towns County on Dec. 12. McCummins has also contributed this year, especially on the defensive end for the Lady Tigers.
Hopper acknowledged seniors Kayla Sigman and Kimora Harper have also been productive this season.
“It’s exciting to see the pieces start coming together,” Hopper said. “I think we’re going to be just fine.”
The Lady Tigers’ goal is to win a region championship and make a return trip to the Class A Division II state playoffs. Their team’s goals are still in front of them with the season winding down.
Hopper wants his team to fly under the radar until the end of the regular season.
“Right now, no one’s paying attention to us,” Hopper said. “... So, I mean, we’re slowly but surely building and getting used to [the toughness of the region]. I think once we do, we’re going to be okay.”
Due to the snow, Greene County’s away game against Monroe Area on Wednesday was postponed. The Lady Tigers will host Lincoln County on Friday and Lake Oconee Academy on Saturday.