Craigmont surprises

aritcle from Commercial Appeal

One of the most surprising names in the girls Dandy Dozen is Craigmont. And count coach Tim Anderson among those whose eyebrows have been raised by the Chiefs' 9-2 start.

"I'm as shocked as anyone," the 10th-year coach said. "The girls are playing together and believing in the system."

Anderson said his team overachieved in finishing 15-14 last season. Then three starters graduated and sixth-man Shenequa Foster transferred to Bartlett.

On paper, it didn't look so promising. But Craigmont started the year with a strong march through the Martin Luther King Jr. tournament at Melrose, losing in the championship game to undefeated and third-ranked White Station.

Craigmont's game is predicated on speed. Point guard Kaitlyn McCoy, a 5-4 senior, triggers the Chiefs run-and-gun offense while classmate Jemil Jefferson quickly established herself as a top scoring option after joining the team at the start of the second semester last season.

"Kaitlyn knows the system and knows what I expect," Anderson said. "And Jemil has really fit in and become one of my leaders."

Those two will need to continue to be leaders now that District 14-AAA play has begun. Craigmont figures to be right in the thick of things in what should be a dogfight for the title.

"Arlington is the cream of the crop, and Millington is always strong," Anderson said. "Cordova won 20 games last year, and I believe Bolton will be a good team.

"It's strong from top to bottom. Hopefully we can keep doing what we do and get some wins."