December 15, 2011
2011/2012 Team Preview: |
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Junior guard Chaniyah Swan is a returning starter for Lincoln. (Photo: Jason Bernstein) |
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By Jason Bernstein Editorial Director |
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A year ago, Lincoln saw a season full of promise and high expectations come crashing down thanks to a series of injuries and controversy.
Preseason expectations might be a touch lower this season, but with a promising young group and the issues of the past behind them, the Lions feel they may be ready to surprise and remain one of the better teams in the county.
"A lot of these girls are real new to the varsity level, but they've been holding their own in the scrimmages," head coach Tom Best said. "I'm happy with the way they've played."
The biggest cause for optimism for the Jersey City school is at power forward and returning starter Breana Bey. Forced into the lead role midway through last year after the loss of Zierra Williams, the 5-foot-9 Bey averaged 15 points and eight rebounds as a sophomore to earn All-County honors.
"With Breana the defense needs to know where she is at all times," Best said. "She's a girl who can put 20 points up any game. She's one of the premier players in Hudson County.
"Breana's a low-key girl. She never gets too high or too low. She's even-keeled. She's up to the challenge, she loves being the focal point and she hasn't backed away from that."
Helping Bey out in the paint is a raw, yet talented 5-foot-11 freshman in Kiante Johnson.
"I think Kiante has a bright future," Best explained. "So we're going to push her and get the best out of her before she realizes she's a freshman."
Lincoln will have an experienced backcourt with senior point guard Timiah Calamito and junior shooting guard Chaniyah Swan as returning starters. The 5-foot-4 Calamito, who missed most of last season, is a three-year starter and the team's lone senior.
"It's big to have an experienced point guard," said Best. "She's going to be a coach on the floor and we're expecting her to be more of a leader on the court because she's the only senior on the team. We expect big things from her on the court.
"(She's a) better shooter. I know her knowledge of the game has improved a lot."
Sophomore She-Kinah Suber enters the starting lineup after playing a key reserve role a season ago.
Sophomore guards Pam Larocco and Jadela Gaston lead a young, yet talented bench. Junior Ineisha Johnson provides depth up front while freshman Deja Marsh and sophomore Khalia Smith could see time at guard as the season moves along.
2011-12 Lincoln Overview |
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