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Photo
by Garry Handshoe. Handshoe Photography
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Lady Trojans under
new leadership
New coach battling injuries
By George Starks
CNO Sports Editor
ARCANUM- There’s a new sheriff in town and her name is Rachael Fearon.
Many may recognize the face, most can relate to the last name of
Davenport and the Franklin Monroe connection. And no need to do a
double take. Yes, that’s her little sister Abby sitting there not far
away.
After the Lady Trojans collected just three wins a year ago, Fearon has
a lot of work to do.
“I’m working hard with the girls,” Fearon said. “I’m using basketball
to prepare the girls for life. I’m try to bring in hustle, desire and
determination to the game and I’ve already seen a big change from where
I first stepped in to where we are now.”
If the Davenport name sounds familiar, it should. It’s a name that’s
synonymous with success at Franklin Monroe.
“I hope we are able to reach the point of success that I had at
Franklin Monroe,” said Fearon. “We had success when I played, getting
to district and as an assistant coach, we were able to climb that
ladder of success. So I do know what that feels like and I hope I can
bring that to these girls. They show a lot of excitement and enthusiasm
and they are working hard. I do think they can get there.”
Fearon will have just two seniors on her initial squad as a head coach.
“I have Amber Snell and Chastity Fusion,” Fearon pointed out. Chastity
is a hustler. She gets after it defensively and I expect to see great
things on offense from Amber. Chastity is going to handle the ball some
at the point but I’ve not settled on my starting point guard. Ally
Ashworth is pushing for time at the point. All told, I’ve got five kids
that can play the point and that is a crucial position for us.”
With the season ready to kick off, Fearon has very little time to
decide on who plays where come opening night.
“From day to day, you never know what’s going to happen,” Fearon said.
“Jamie Anderson was a lock in my starting line-up and she came down
with a concussion so now we have to hit the floor and see who wants
that spot. It seems like it’s something different from day to day.”
With two seniors, Fearon has a young squad to deal with. With coach
Moore (her sister) and coach Baker at her side, the decision was made
where the focus needed to be.
“We decided we needed to concentrate on the defensive end,” Fearon
said. “We think defense is the most important thing when it comes to
basketball. We spent a whole week on defense and I really think the
girls have stepped it up. I feel good about our defense.”
Fearon said the team needs to improve on shooting and ball handling.
“Those are two areas we really need to improve in,” Fearon stated. “I
think the girls have been very receptive to me and a new system. I was
hesitant in the beginning but I kept telling myself that I had to stick
with what I believe and that’s what I’ve done. The girls have gone
right with us and I’m real proud of them.”
“With only three wins last year, I’ve told the girls we have nothing to
lose,” Fearon admitted. “Everyday I see progress and that is a part of
the success of this team.”
Fearon said, “we want to be the team that no one wants to rule out. We
are working on that.”
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