The 2020-21 girls basketball season for Mount View was no different than most other schools and can be summed up in one word – frustrating.
Minimal games and a win-less season have the Golden Knights ready to move on to better times this year.
Fifth year head coach Kenny Brown believes he has the personnel to make that turnaround successful.
“I am really optimistic about this year. We only have one senior coming back and the rest will be underclassman, but we have some experience and we have athleticism,” Brown said. “They just need court time, along with a little trial and error and repetition. I am anxious to see how it goes. Even though we are athletic, we just haven’t been in the fire. I am not sure how they will react and respond.”
Some of the increased excitement surrounds the addition of a talented freshman, Mylasia Martin.
“Mylasia will be our point guard and she was the leading scorer on the middle school team that won the county championship. I also coached her in elementary school,” Brown said. “She could be really, really special if she wants to be. I think the only thing that can stop her is herself.”
Da’Zya Martin is the lone senior on the team and she will counted upon to lead Brown’s young team.
“She is really quick and her best basketball is on the defensive end. She is a cheerleader also,” Brown said. “She will be counted on a lot this year.”
Junior Myasia Hill is also likely to be a starter for Mount View this year and Brown says she great ability with a lot of potential.
“If she dedicates herself and conditions herself the way we want her too, she could be a solid player,” Brown said. “She has to determine if that is she what she wants, but she definitely has the ability.”
Sophomore Ty’Quashia Wray started for the Golden Knights last year as a freshman and will be back among the first five again this season.
“Ty’Quashia is athletic and quick. She is a really good defensive player too. She is a little erratic on her shot right now, but if she works, she is going to be a really good ball player for us.”
The fifth starter for Brown will likely be junior Kierston Lucas. According to her coach, Lucas is a consistent player that has solid fundamentals.
“I like this team and when it comes to hope and potential, it is likely the best team that I have had since I have been here,” Brown said.
Freshman Nina Hill played along side Martin in middle school and will be the first person off the bench for Brown this season.
“She is quick, but still a little raw. If she wants to learn, we can get her in the fold really quick, provided she commits herself,” Brown said.
Sophomore Makayla Williams and Aniya Smith will also see time on the floor for the Golden Knights this year providing depth in the post.
“This group is tenacious and they are fighters. We will have to temper that some, but they are competitive,” Brown said. “We just need to structure that in a way that is positive for the team.”
The primary place Brown looks to use his team’s athleticism and tenacity is on defense.
“I played for Northfork and my mentality is focused on defense. I want our team, for the lack of a better phrase, to be the one that throws the first punch,” Brown said. “I don’t want us to be passive and just sit back in a zone. I want to initiate the pressure and get the transition game going from that.”
