THOMASVILLE — The Thomas County Central Yellow Jackets girls basketball team is gearing up for what they hope will be another successful season. Last year the Lady Jackets finished 17-9 overall, but the unfortunate hospitalization of head coach Stacy Masten as Central headed into region play left them 5-5 and fourth in region one.

“I think that was part of the reason we fell short in the region like we did,” said Masten.

The main concern for this team is how young they are. The bench has a lot of youth and the players that Masten is looking to take a larger role on the team are young as well. Sophomores Jaida Pinkins, Jaida Rice, Payton West and junior Harmonee Ross will be put in a larger role this year.

“Those are the four that I’m really, really expecting a lot out of this year,” Masten said. “Hopefully they will be able to step up and play that role like they need to.”

The Lady Jackets have been very active this summer, growing as a team and as individuals.

“We had a really great summer,” said Masten. “My young kids grew up a little bit this summer, which I’m really really proud of that. Overall, we had a really good summer.”

Despite the focus on the youth of this Central team, Masten commented on the strong presence of leadership in the locker room and the hardwood. This team boasts seven seniors in Marcy Pearson, Marranda Coleman, A’miracle Ryans, Kristen Guyton, Tia Floyd, Vesha Giddens and Nayeli Badillo. Floyd was one of Central’s best offensive threats last year, leading the team in points per game, free throw percentage and three point percentage. Giddens and Pearson led on defense as Pearson averaged almost three steals a game and Giddens led the team in rebounds and blocks.

“Most of the seniors I’ve got have been playing since they were freshman,” Masten commented. “So, I think the leadership this year and experience should be really good for us this year.”

The Lady Jackets will open their season with a pair of away games against Woodville-Tompkins and Mary Persons before opening up at home on November 28 against Bainbridge.