A new coach, a new look, a new season, a new attitude! That is how one can sum up the beginning of the Lady Tigers basketball season. 

Head coach Junior Johnson has been a very busy individual over the past few months recruiting new players to his team, teaching them to play to their strengths and getting the most out of their skills and talents. But most of all, he is changing the overall culture on the court by getting his players to believe in themselves and their ability to win.

"The returners will have to step in with a new attitude," Coach Johnson stated. "Last season is over and water under the bridge. We are going to have players step up and be examples. Anybody can hustle and play with intensity. We will be expecting our players to produce every day, whether in games or in practice," he went on to say.

Returning to the team are Bethany Allen, Dominique Stringer, Kemysha Cross, Diamond Lockett and Miata Mathis. Allen was the team's leading scorer and rebounder last season. Bethany could be a very big part of the team's success this year. She will be counted on to produce in prac­tice and in games. 

Dominique Stringer is short, but can really move. "DS" has the potential to run the point and run the defense. She will be a leader. 

Kemysha Cross, or "Kee-Kee" to her team, is showing signs of improvement and has a lot of speed in a 5'3" frame. Diamond Lockett is fast and should be a defensive dynamo. Miata Mathis is recovering from knee surgery and will be red-shirted this season.

Along with a new coach come sev­eral new players. 6'1" Natasha Cook and 6'0" Atlanta Ervin have the size and strength to help the Lady Tigers this year. 

Natasha Cook could become a great story. Coach Johnson said, "Tasha could give us the height advantage against a lot of our opponents. She has been away from the game for two years and has a lot of mak­ing up to do, but with the right work ethic, we think she can get there."

Atlanta Ervin comes in with a surgically repaired knee, but appears ready to train and get ready for the next level. Taryn Lemon looks like she is barely 5'2" but is in the gym as much as anybody. According to Coach Johnson, her shot is really coming along. 

Makayla Cordell is a late arrival. "Mak" actually played AAU basketball one summer for our men's coach, Rodney Nelson. I might owe Coach Nelson a couple of meals for helping her find her way to Hiwassee," stated Johnson. 

Cordell made her first appearance a memorable one. 

"By the middle of practice, McKayla stepped into the start­ing five," said Johnson.

Rounding out the team are Kristen Strahler, Danielle Proulx and Kim Godby. According to Coach Johnson, all are working hard and improving daily. Strahler will most likely be red-shirted this season but Proulx and Godby will see some playing time.

The Lady Tigers open their season on Thursday, Oct. 25 in a exhibition game against Emmanuel College in Franklin, Ga. For more information on this year's roster, schedule and other Lady Tiger information, visit the Hiwassee College web­site at www.hiwassee.edu or call Coach Junior Johnson at 423-645-5304.