When Altus High head girls basketball coach David Prickett thinks about the 2011-2012 season it brings a smile to his face, and it should. It was a season that resulted in a state tournament appearance coupled the play of Holly Childs, Jazznae Harris, Tatyana Bells, Ebony Nelms and Mahogany left many pleasant memories.

But those five graduated and Prickett must find a way to replace them. He begins that difficult task on Tuesday when the Lady Bulldogs host Elk City at 6:30 p.m.

“We can’t replace them,” Prickett said. “Those were talented players, they handled it well and did everything you wanted them to do.”

But Prickett will be quick to tell you the cubbard is not bare and there are some good players remaining. “We’re not empty,” He said. “Inexperience has shown up in the scrimmages. We’re going to have to be patient. I think we will be pretty competitive by the end of the year.”

Only three seniors are on the roster. Dashauna Jackson (5-5, Guard), Itiya Knight (5-8, Guard) and Tisay Woodhouse (5-8, forward) all saw significant playing time last year.

Right now the defense is way ahead of the offense. “I think the defense will be good,”Prickett said. “We have the length and height that we didn’t have last year. I’m a little worried offensively, where we are going to get the points. Two or three of them are going to have to step it up.”

Style of play

“We will play the same type of aggressive zone,” Prickett said. “We’re not as athletic so we may not full court press as much. We still want to run some.”

Guards

Prickett said he is looking for a point guard. “We may have to do that by committee,” he said. Jackson, Knight and Tyara Jones (5-0, Jr.) are the candidates. All could play the shooting guard position. Help at guard could come Karina Martinez (5-5, Jr. Jr.) and Logan Ybarra (5-5, Jr.).

Forwards/Posts

Woodhouse, Ashley Hughes (5-10, Jr.) and Ariel Robinson (5-7, Soph.) are the top prospects at forward. Carsyn King (6-0, Soph.) gives the Lady Bulldogs good height at the post position.

Outlook

It looks like a team that may start out slow and get better as the year goes along. “We want to play sound defense, take care of the basketball and get the best shot we can whether it takes five or 50 passes,” Prickett said. “There will be mistakes along the way. Our philosophy has been not to look at wins and losses. We want to get better every day.”

Lady Bulldog Classic

Once again Altus will host the annual Lady Bulldog Classic Dec. 6-8.

Enid, Oklahoma City Northwest Classen, Iowa Park, Lawton MacArthur, Wichita Falls, Cache, Lawton Eisenhower and Altus will be in the field.

Roster

Dashauna Jackson, 5-5, Sr. guard

Itiya Knight, 5-8, Sr. guard

Tisay Woodhouse, 5-8, Sr., forward

Ashley Hughes, 5-10, Jr., forward

Tyara Jones, 5-10, Jr. guard

Datravona Lewis, 5-8, forward, forward

Karina Martinez, 5-5, Jr., guard

Racquel McClellon, 5-8, Jr., forward

Logan Ybarra, 5-5, Jr., guard

Ashlee Baker, 5-3, Jr. guard

Ashlee Baker, 5-2, Soph. guard

Tessa Duncan, 5-2, Soph., guard

Carsyn King, 6-0, Soph., post

Mahaylee Fixico, 5-7, Soph., forward

Kelsey Friese, 5-7, Soph., guard

Ariel Robinson, 5-7, Soph., forward

Oseana Shaw, 6-2, Soph., post

Kim Stevenson, 5-2, Soph., guard

Taylor Warrington, 5-4, Soph. guard

Brekyn Worbes, 5-6, Soph., forward

Savannah Butler, 5-2, Fr., forward

Ariana Luna, 5-5, Fr., guard

Alliah Nelms, 5-6, Fr., forward

Kendra Nelms, 5-4, Fr., guard

Vanessa Molina, 5-4, Fr. guard

Julia Pack, 5-3, Fr., guard

Kali Tovar, 5-4, Fr., guard

Alicia Roblez, 5-5, Fr., guard

Belicia Ramirez, 5-2, Fr., guard

Head Coach: David Prickett

Assistant Coach: Kara McBrayer

Head Freshman Coach: James LeGrand

Assistant Freshmen Coach: Rick Patterson

Schedule

Nov. 27, Elk City here, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 30, Anadarko, here, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 4, at Elgin, 6:30 p.m.

Dec 6-8, Lady Bulldog Class, TBA

Dec. 11, Weatherford, here, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 14, Duncan, here, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 18, at Clinton, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 8, at Elk City, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 10-12, Anadarko Tournament, TBA

Jan. 17, Lawton MacArthur, here, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 18, at Cache, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 22, Clinton, here, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 29, Cache, here, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 1, Elgin, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 5, Woodward, here, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 8, at Duncan, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 12, at Anadarko, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 15, at Lawton MacArthur, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 21-23, Regional Tournament