File Photo Tiara Knotts After yet another season in the final eight of the AAA state playoffs, A.C. Flora enters the 2008- 2009 season with high hopes. While All- State point guard Tiara Knotts will miss at least part of the season due to injury, the Lady Falcons bring a wealth of talent and experience to Region IV- AAA.

Seniors Jasmine Stubbs, Emani Harrison and Mariah Houser as well as junior Kim Roach are all three- year members of the varsity team and will lead A.C. Flora with experience and skill. Having been members of very successful teams in years past, these ladies will be pivotal in the transition between seasons as well as easing the burden of having the star player injured.

Early season games, particularly non- region affairs, will be key to the development and success of Flora this team. Five players are injured so many of the younger, less experienced members of the team will earn valuable minutes. The ability of the youngsters to adapt to varsity basketball will determine how strong a season the Falcons can have as well as improve depth whenever more experienced players can return from their injuries.

Working on defensive pressure has made for intense early practices. As the team rounds into shape and improves the harassing defensive style Coach Patti Moore employs, the Falcons are bound to gain confidence and put a productive unit on the floor each game. Coach Moore is also introducing a zone defense to the Falcons' repertoire, a look Flora has not shown in some years.

As younger players find their roles and older players use their experience to find early- season success, the Falcons should pick up steam and head into region play prepared to compete on the highest level once again.