File Photo Corteastia Taylor With a focus on the most important parts of high school basketball, Brookland- Cayce's Lady Bearcats expect to play hard and develop as players and young women in 2008- 2009. Rallying behind the attitude and optimism of Coach David Mack, the Bearcats are building a team that believes in one another and has confidence in their ability to compete and close out games. As such, B- C will try to improve its first round state playoff run last season and venture deeper into the tournament.

Coach Mack has a solid group of players who will lead the Lady Bearcats through this season. Seniors Corteastia Taylor and Shaniqua Brown bring experience and lead by showing their commitment to the team. Junior Kayla Stinson adds a consistent work ethic, and freshman Taylor Vinson has joined the team and added instant enthusiasm and a team- first attitude. With the leadership of these players and the confidence derived from trusting each other, Brookland- Cayce will put a team on the floor each game that will play hard, work together, and compete with every team it faces.

Thus far, the Lady Bearcats have focused on executing their game plan as diligently as possible and are working on playing tough throughout each entire game. The team has pinpointed a quarter- by- quarter approach to the season and measures success in eight- minute stretches. Knowing the Lady Bearcats are only as good as their next quarter keeps the tenacity and focus high and the team chemistry paramount.

Using the motto, "Hard work pays off," Brookland- Cayce will challenge themselves and their opponents throughout this 2008- 2009 season. As the team grows more confident in each other, the Lady Bearcats could be a force to reckon with in Region V- AAA.