Scouting Larkin Royals

Larkin Royals

Coach: Tissanie Simmons (1st year)

Conference: Upstate Eight River

2010-11 record: 4-23 (2-8 UEC River)

Top returning players: Abigail Alvarez (Sr. 5-6 G), Jill Casebeer (Sr. 5-9 F), Allison Driskill (Sr. 5-8 F), Maggie Hoffman (Sr. 5-7 G), Paris Patterson (Jr. 5-7 F), Torie Patterson (So. 5-5 G).

Top newcomers: Amber McGhee (Jr. 5-5 G), Stephanie Leon (Jr. 5-6 G).

Outlook: Simmons, a former Larkin and Judson University standout, takes the reigns at her alma mater and is determined to bring the pride back to a program that has struggled since Amy Silverman retired from coaching. And Simmons has some experience to do it with as the Royals return their top six players from last year’s team. “I’ve seen a lot of growth since we started,” Simmons said. “We definitely have a lot more leadership and that’s going to be a key. We’ve got a schedule we can be competitive against and there’s a lot of energy. I have high expectations and they’re excited about it.” Simmons also knows Rome wasn’t built in a day. “My goal is to see improvement,” she said. “Realistically I believe we can be a .500 team. But I want people to see we’re moving in the right direction and I want the girls to take pride in who they represent. Larkin is home to so many great athletes. We just need to simplify the game for them and get out there and play basketball and have fun.” Simmons also wants her team to have confidence in its ability. “I’m trying to build their esteem and they’re on fire right now,” she said. “I think they’re ready and I think we’ll give a lot of teams a run for their money.”