Team Preview
Written by: Sven Alskog
A strong season in 2013-2014 for the Century Diamondbacks was culminated with a quick two and out in the 4A state tournament, leaving the girls from Pocatello hungry to end this year on a higher note.
The Diamondbacks return all key playmakers from that squad, giving seventh year Head Coach Chris Shuler and his team a great chance at making some noise in the 4A this year.
For Century, the returners are highlighted by All-Idaho Second Team center Henny Hearn, a matchup nightmare for every team to square off with the Diamondbacks. Hearn averaged over 13 points, 6 rebounds and a block a game last year on her way to many postseason accolades.
Defensively, having Hearn down essentially shuts down the lane for the opponents, while on the offensive end she has improved her own footwork over the years, a lethal combination when put together with her speed and strength.
Along with returning one of the best interior players in the state of Idaho, Century will have its junior point guard Rian Rawlings back, along with senior guards Sara Holt and Aliea Son, easily one of the most talented backcourts in the 4A classification.
Similar to Century quarterback Lucas Rawlings, Rian is able to lead her team on the hardwood, getting touches for all the talent surrounding her.
Holt leads the perimeter shooting, along with fellow senior Lindsey Smoot.
With so much returning talent the Diamondbacks will stick with what has worked in the past in regards to their style.
Expect plenty of aggressive defense out of a man-to-man set, creating plenty of opportunities in the open floor in transition back the other way. With so many ball handlers on the floor at all times, Shuler has plenty of options for who to draw plays up for, although Hearn is almost a given to receive a touch on each possession on the offensive end.
While the talent is there to have a big season for Century, the unit will have to bring their best game each time out, as a target will be on their back as the expected top team in the conference.
Last season the Diamondbacks saw this a few times, including losses against Skyline and Bonneville, as well as when they were swept out of the state tournament.
This will be the last chance for the Century seniors to bring home a state title, so the goal will be to bring the hardware home to go out on top.
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