By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Like all coaches, Chuck Reedy admitted there are a few things he doesn’t know about his team heading into the 2018-19 season.
Something Reedy is sure of though: The Union City girls will play hard – every night out.
“I truly believe our effort will override our inability to do some things,” said Reedy, who was named the Lady Tornado head coach in the spring after seven seasons as a highly-regarded assistant in the program. “We’ll be young – with just one senior – but the girls have already shown me a great deal of heart and have had a tremendous work ethic.
“I’ll make some wrong calls set-wise, but I think we’ll play through a lot of things and give ourselves a chance just because of the effort we’ll put forth.”
That “effort” question put to rest, Reedy immediately turned his attention to other issues for a program that posted a 10-21 record last season and must replace three graduated seniors – including leading scorer Dymond Smith.
Despite its youth, there’ll be both some experience and depth on this year’s roster.
What Reedy has concentrated on the most, however, is the basics.
“I’ve gone back and looked at a lot of film and I can tell you, if we’ll make lay-ups and free throws, we’ll win more games than we’ve won in the last few years,” he claimed. “That, combined with consistent all-out effort, and the rest of it, we’ll figure out.”
Reedy plans to apply ball pressure with his roster’s size and length and employ an “inside-out” philosophy by utilizing some talent and promise around the basket.
“We can shoot a three-pointer any time. I want us to attack the rim and get it to the post, though,” the new Union City skipper said.
Seven players who gained significant playing time a year ago return for either their sophomore or junior seasons for the Lady Tornadoes.
Jada Williams (5-11, So.) averaged 10 ppg as a freshman and should headline a team that will look to be competitive against reigning Class 1A state champion Greenfield, state tourney participant Dresden and traditionally-strong Gleason in a loaded district.
The most athletic player on the team, Williams is capable of a double-double every night out. Shadimon Henry (5-7, Jr.,) will also see action at the two-spot. She’s a good spot-up shooter and is capable of posting up smaller defenders.
Kyndall Davis (5-11, Jr.) will open at the small-forward spot and is good shooter who will be asked to rebound as well. Triana Mackins (5-3, Jr.) will provide depth at the position and has the versatility to do several things, according to her coach.
The post spots look to be in good hands for the Purple and Gold.
Arielle Everett (5-10, So.) and Shyon Stephens (5-9, Jr.) both logged considerable minutes last season and have distinguishable qualities, says Reedy.
He calls Everett “the most relentless player on the team. ..a fierce competitor with unbridled work ethic.” Stephens has been identified as the “established team leader and a great rebounder.”
Freshmen Khia German (5-7) and Destiny Kenton (5-8) will be looked to for depth in the paint, as will the team’s lone senior, Bryanna Williams (5-9), who also has some shooting skills.
Running the show at the point will be freshman Sophie Theobald (5-3), who has great knowledge of the game and will be looked at to be an extension of Reedy. Kylie McCadney (5-5, So.) will also get minutes and is widely considered the team’s best on-ball defender.
Juniors Daija Nunley, Gabby Cabrera and sophomore Ashlyn Thomas are all young players looking to carve their niche as the season begins with good practice habits.
“The best thing we’ve got going with this group is that we have good kids. Our big strength is also our big weakness – our youth,” Reedy added. “But I feel good about playing as many as eight kids without any drop-off.
“The transition from me being an assistant to now being the head coach has been an easy one. The girls know I’m going to be demanding, but they also know I care about them. I really do believe we can build on those player/coach relationships we had when I was an assistant to another level now that I’m the head coach.”
Reedy, who’ll be assisted by staff holdover Nelson Youngblood and Paige McMillan, spoke glowingly of his first staff.
“Nelson (Youngblood) has been a rock for me. He’s been a go-to guy for the kids to talk to and he handles both that responsibility and our strength and conditioning program very well,” he head coach concluded.
“And Paige, she’s the brains of our outfit. She’s been a successful high school head coach (Trinity Christian Academy and Germantown Houston) and she’s also served a key role as an assistant at both Gibson County and Westview. Her knowledge is amazing and I feel as if my weaknesses are her strengths.”
The Lady Tornadoes open their season Thursday night at home against Trenton in the first of two Hall of Champions games.
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