By Ryan Bisesi
rbisesi@salisburypost.com
KANNAPOLIS – A.L. Brown girls basketball coach doesn’t want to remember last season, when his bench seemed like an infirmry. It seemed like a miracle the Wonders were able to trot out five players by the end of the season. “Crazy number of injuries,” said Wolford, impersonating a surgeon. “Two ACLs, a broken wrist, a broken ankle, concussions, you name it.” Four of their top six players were out for parts of the season, hindering the Wonders’ ability to score. It was a commendable effort for the Wonders to become a defensive-oriented team and sneak into the postseason, finishing tied for fourth in the South Piedmont Conference. “Our defense was pretty solid,” Wolford said. “When teams played us, they usually didn’t hit their [scoring] mark. Offense was a work in progress throughout the year with all our injuries.” The Wonders dropped their last five games to finish 12-13 in Wolford’s first year as coach. Brown was 8-4 at one point before health issues surfaced. All-SPC players Sara Tuttle and Endia Cannon have departed, but Wolford feels his team has evolved. Making the playoffs again is a goal. “We’re so far ahead of where we were last year,” Wolford said. “This year, after the second practice, I felt like if we had to we could go and play.”
Wolford says his team will involve multiple defenses to keep other teams guessing on offense.
“We press some, we’ll trap some, man-to-man, we’ll do a little bit of everything just to throw people off,” Wolford said. The Wonders won the CMC Northeast Holiday Tournament in Cox Mill last year and will be a participant again. “Our program hadn’t won a Christmas tournament in a while before that,” Wolford said. “We were pretty proud of that.” Junior Aaliyah Spears has a pair of torn ACLs, suffering one early last season and another during the summer.
Spears is out indefinitely and was getting interest from some Division I schools before her injury. “We’re not counting on it, but hopefully she’ll be able to come back and help us,” Wolford said. Aitana Grant is the best athlete on the team with Wolford citing her as “crazy fast” and boasting about her length and ability to defend. She’ll run the point after playing on varsity as a freshman. “Even though she’s in 10th grade, she’s got good varsity experience that she’s been through,” Wolford said. “I’d put her up there as one of the best defenders in our conference.” Megan Shue is penciled in at shooting guard. Shue brings a 3-point shooting threat along with the ability to defend the floor. Jennifer Raper will be the third guard in the offense that boasts three guards and two forwards. “We don’t have a star, but we have several girls that have the ability to score 8 to 10 points a game,” Wolford said. “So far what I like in practice is them seeing the floor and finding each other.” Senior forwards Raven Phifer and Bianca Moody offer experience.
Moody, formerly Bianca Smith, poured in 23 points in a game against Northwest Cabarrus last year. “Both are learning to step outside and are fundamentally sound,” Wolford said. “Those two and Megan have taken a leadership role. I’m proud of how they’ve grown up and extended their range.” Sophomores Mackenzie Rodgers and Talethia Alexander provide depth at guard. “Talethia’s a gunner,” Wolford said. “She’ll shoot it from 30 feet even if somebody’s in her face. Mackenzie’s a tough, hard-nosed player.” Tiera Grier and Bailey Vernon are each 5-11 to bring height off the bench.
Sophomore Esther Kituku is also a post player. “She’s like a point guard playing down low,” said Wolford of Kituku. “She’s the best passer on the team.” The Wonders kick things off Nov. 27 against Mooresville. Conference play starts Dec. 18 at J.M. Robinson. South Rowan, East Rowan, Lake Norman and Mallard Creek are also on the non-conference slate.