Lehman will welcome back Bria Cheatham into the lineup next year. She suffered a season-ending injury this season and at the time the Lady Lobos had an 8-2 record and Cheatham was averaging double figures in both scoring and rebounding. (photo by Judy Cooper)
By WES FERGUSON
When head coach Jamie Coy looks back at the Lady Lobos’ season, she has reason to be optimistic about the future of girls basketball at Lehman High School.
Following the devastating loss of power forward Bria Cheatham, who had been averaging a double-double for the Lady Lobos, teammates such as sophomore Olivia Marzullo, a deadly three-point threat and tough defender, and 6-foot-2 junior post Ariana Gallegos were tested early and often.
That valuable experience should serve them well as all three players return next season. What’s more, they’ll be joined by a 6-foot-3 transfer student and a 6-foot incoming freshman who will give the Lady Lobos one of the most imposing frontcourts in District 27-4A.
“We’ll be pretty big,” Coy said.
“With the injuries, we didn’t go as far as we hoped to this season,” she added. “Through it all, I think we grew as a team and we accomplished things that no one else has accomplished. Even with those injuries we were able to make history.”
One of Lehman’s biggest achievements, she said, was the basketball program’s first win over in-district rival Hays. The Lady Lobos also improved in the overall win column, at 14-18 heading into their final game against Alamo Heights on Tuesday night, compared to a record of just 9-19 a year ago.
“They continue to show what they’re capable of,” Coy said. “They just need to be consistent with it.”
After Cheatham’s return, perhaps the best news for the program is the arrival of 6-foot-3 post Ashley Stephens, who was required to play on the junior varsity squad this year as a transfer student. Next year, Stephens will form one half of an imposing paint duo with Gallegos, who averaged more than 10 points and two blocks a game.
When Gallegos has played well, her post presence altered the dynamic of the Lady Lobos’ offense and defense. Coy said Gallegos has matured over the course of the season, learning to stay positive while keeping her emotions under wraps — and not getting frustrated and picking up foolish fouls.
“She’s starting to become a more unselfish player,” Coy said. “She realizes she has to keep her mind straight in order for the team to be successful.”
In addition to Gallegos, Marzullo will be counted on to shoulder a much larger load in 2012-13. Marzullo is a true shooting guard, but Coy has already been grooming her to replace outgoing senior Amara Smith at the point.
“Olivia adds athleticism to the game,” Coy said. “She’s smart, she sees things on the floor well and works hard. She can shoot on the outside or can drive and penetrate. With her running the show next year, and then adding some key players around her, we look to go second or third (in district) for sure.”
The Lobos will miss their outgoing seniors, however. Defensive specialist Cydney Ervin held every girl she guarded to under 10 points, according to Coy, and Smith was the team’s undisputed court leader at the point guard position.
“She’ll be successful wherever she goes because she’s that type of individual,” Coy said of Smith. “Her work ethic as an athlete is unbelievable.”
After falling a bit short this season, the Lady Lobos will try to make their second-ever trip to the postseason in 2012-13.
