Led by senior guard Erica Shaw, the West Lincoln Lady Bears areaiming for a third consecutive state basketball tournamentappearance.The Lady Bears were state semifinalists last season asShaw averaged 11.1 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists pergame.

The Lady Bears finished 27-5 last season. They lost guard LaurenSmith, forward Alicia Kennedy and post Monica Price. Kennedy andSmith were selected to The DAILY LEADER’s All-Lincoln County Teamand signed scholarships with Copiah-Lincoln Community College.

Besides Shaw, a 3-year starter, returning to the starting lineupare forward Britnee Smith (5 ppg, 3 rpg) and guard April Kennedy(2.5 ppg).

Working at the post will be 6-foot sophomore Talisha Fells (3.3ppg, 3 rpg) and senior Candi Herring.

“We have four people with experience,” said Young. There are nojuniors on the team.

Young, 30, is starting his fourth year as head coach at WestLincoln.

Expected to be the teams to beat in the Division 7-1A girls raceare Bogue Chitto and St. Aloysius. Young said, “St. Al has pickedup some players from Porters Chapel.”

Bears Have Veterans

The Bears lost in the finals of the division tournament and fellin South State quarterfinals to Durant last season. They finished18-10.

Starters Tyler Smith and Kevin King were lost to graduation.They both earned all-county and all-division honors at guard andforward respectively.

Returning for the Bears are guard Shane Lynch (13.3 ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.2 apg), forward Stephen Jones (5.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.1 apg) ,post Bradleigh Rice (4.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg), forward Jeremy Byrd (3.8ppg, 4.4 rpg), and top reserve guard Aaron Shaw who is expected torun the point.

“We have seven or eight players who can play for us,” saidYoung. “All five of our starters could be the leading scorer on anygiven night.

“Depth will help us out. Overall, we have improved asindividuals and as a team.”

Asked about the division race, Young said, “Dexter is the teamto beat” Dexter’s gymnasium was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina sothe Bulldogs could play every game on the road.

Young said St. Al could be a title contender, too.