Mt. Vernon Register-News

Sports

November 20, 2012

Pinkston has core of Lady Trojans team returning

By JACK CLARK jackclark@mvn.net

BLUFORD — Now entering his seventh season as the head coach of the Webber Township High School Lady Trojans, Travis Pinkston believes he is accomplishing what he set out to do in 2006.

“I started out coaching the boys junior varsity at Webber six years ago,” Pinkston said. “I coached JV for two seasons. When the girls head coach position came open I took it. I thought it would give me a chance to build a program the way I wanted to. So far it’s been great and I’m looking for a great season this year.”

Although the program didn’t accumulate a lot of wins in 2011-12, Pinkston believes they were better than what their record indicates.

“We finished the season 7-19, but the record didn’t do us justice,” Pinkston said. “We had a lot of games where we lost in the closing minutes of the game. We just came up short a few times. I think with our experience coming back, we will be able to close out games.”

With a roster of only 11 players, Pinkston will be counting on returning talent this season.

“I have six returning players this year, four seniors and two sophomores. The seniors are Sarah Ganieany, Courtney Girvan, Erica Marlow and Heather Riley. All of which have played varsity for three years,” Pinkston said. “Girvan had a breakout year last season, and hopes to build from that. Sarah works in the post and may be one of the most talented centers in the Midland Trail Conference. Erica is a big girl that we moved to a wing last season, and we hope for her to excel this year. Heather is a versatile player, who knows all positions on the floor. The two sophomores are Kourtney Cash and Melina Launay. Cash is a player who has grown a lot over the last season, and could do great things in 2012-13. Melina has probably worked the hardest of anybody so far this season, and is looking to be a big factor this year.”

The Webber roster is filled out with players who have no varsity basketball experience, but will still get playing time. Pinkston said that his new players are junior Emily Potter, sophomore Nicole Leffler and freshmen Kaylea Potter, Megan Kluck, and Shylie Donoho.

“Emily is in her first year playing basketball, but looks like she has a lot of promise. She lacks confidence, but works extremely hard,” Pinkston said. “Nicole is also a first-year player and is starting to figure it all out. She is timid at times but finds a way to get in the mix. Kaylea is a freshman but plays like a junior. Her court awareness is impressive and natural basketball technique is inspiring. Look for her to have a good year. Megan is very raw in fundamentals. She works hard and has a great attitude on and off the floor. Lastly, Shylie is a shy girl who turns mean on the floor. She has a nose for the ball and seems to always be where she needs to be.”

With all that the Lady Trojans have going for them, Pinkston said that the team should be very competitive in 2012-13.

“The Midland Trail Conference seems to be more balanced this year. I think we have a great chance to lead the conference. We have great senior leadership. More returning players than new for the first time and have worked very hard so far,” Pinkston said.

Text Only
Sports
  • Trojans take first regional title

    It's been a season of milestones for Webber's baseball team.

    May 18, 2013

  • Wayne City downs Woodlawn softball

    Wayne City used early offense and a solid pitching performance to beat the Lady Cardinals 9-4 in Saturday's 1A regional final.

    May 18, 2013

  • Sports briefs Palmer advances at track state Mt. Vernon's Aaliyah Palmer will compete in two events at today's 2A girls track and field state final. Palmer qualified from Friday's preliminary round in the shot put and discus. Palmer threw the shot put 39 feet, 11

    May 18, 2013

  • 5-18 Regional finals preview photo Area teams contend for titles Sam Root and Mike Kehrer have had their baseball teams in this position before. Root and Webber are making their third straight regional final appearance today. Kehrer and Woodlawn are trying to claim its third straight regional crown. “It feels rea

    May 18, 2013 1 Photo

  • 5-18 Boys track sectional photo Rams qualify for state in 5 events SALEM – Mt. Vernon's boys track team will be well represented at next week's state finals. The Rams advanced two of their relay teams along with three individuals while competing at the Salem sectional Thursday. “I'm just really happy,” Mt. Vernon c

    May 18, 2013 1 Photo

  • Sports briefs Miller advances to final round CHARLESTON -- Chelsea Miller will represent the Sesser-Valier/Waltonville girls track team in multiple events at Saturday's state final round. Miller had the fastest qualifying time in the 200 meters at the 1A state fin

    May 17, 2013

  • 5-17 Girls track state preview photo Golliday, Palmer compete at state MT. VERNON – A pair of Lady Rams track athletes will start state final competition today. Aaliyah Palmer and Charde Golliday qualified for today's state final after finishing among the top athletes at the Troy Triad sectional last week. “It's just r

    May 17, 2013 1 Photo

  • Sports calendar Local sports Today Softball Mt. Vernon at Salem 4:30 p.m. Boys tennis Mt. Vernon at Carbondale sectional 1 p.m. Saturday Baseball Highland at Mt. Vernon (doubleheader) 11 a.m. 1A Webber regional Webber vs. Woodlawn 1 p.m. Softball 1A Woodlawn regiona

    May 17, 2013

  • Rams qualify for state in 5 events

    Mt. Vernon's boys track team will be well represented at next week's state finals.

    May 16, 2013

  • Sports calendar Local sports Today Softball Mt. Vernon at Mascoutah 4:30 p.m. Boys track Mt. Vernon at sectional Friday Softball Mt. Vernon at Salem 4:30 p.m. Boys tennis Mt. Vernon at Carbondale sectional 1 p.m. MLB American league East Division W L Pct GB New Yor

    May 16, 2013