Lady Bears seeking another nice run in rugged 20-4A

[KFDM COOP]

Lady Bears seeking another nice run in rugged 20-4A

Van Wade

The Orange Leader

LITTLE CYPRESS — Mixing in some key new ingredients with standout veterans, the Little Cypress-Mauriceville Lady Bears look to make another playoff push in District 20-4A as they look to advance past the area round of the Class 4A Region III playoffs.

The Lady Bears win over the 20-victory mark last year and advanced to the area round before falling to a powerful Friendswood squad.

Long-time coach Vicki Castino was pleased with her squad’s first workout on Monday.

“We’ve got several key veteran players that we’re counting on to step up and lead the way,†said Castino. “We’ve also got several new faces that we’ve got to get more involved. The first workout was super. The kids came in really focused at what they want to accomplish. We’re looking forward to an exciting season.â€

The offense should be explosive behind the hard-hitting of junior Christine Sicktich, The Orange Leader’s Offensive MVP last season. Sicktich is one of the more dominating players in the Golden Triangle area.

Joining her up front will be the hitting of senior Maci Wilcox. Wilcox came on strong midway through last season and will help the Lady Bears in a nice 1-2 punch.

“Christine and Maci have really been clicking together,†Castino said. “They will provide us with a lot of offense. Christine, everyone knows how powerful she is but Maci has come on so strong and has made amazing steps to better herself.â€

Another frontline player that played well when she was called up to varsity midway through 2007 is junior Elissa Tate.

The hitters will certainly have a nice group of returnees to set them up offensively.

Shayna Shephard returns after being named the Defensive Player of the Year on the All-District Team last year and is not afraid to dive all over the floor. Alexa Humble is a tremendous setter and server along with Carly Gauthier and Brittany Wiegand.

Newcomers expected to contribute in a big way includes Amy Laughlin, Shelby Apperson and Shelby Sanchez.

The Lady Bears will be busy “campers†before the first “real†school bell rings.

They will be involved in two of the toughest tournaments the state of Texas offers as the Lady Bears will venture to the Barbers Hill Tournament Aug. 14-16 and then they will head to the Dallas area for the Northwest Tournament Aug. 22-23.

“Those two tournaments will show you where you’re at in a hurry,†said Castino. “There is so much top-notch competition. You get to see teams you don’t normally see. It also gives the kids time to bond and to become better. It will certainly get them ready for district and it really helped us playing in both of them last year.â€

The Lady Bears will also compete in the YMBL Tournament Sept. 4-6.

Just like it years past, District 20-4A will be loaded with strong teams where anybody can knock off someone else on any given night. This year, there will be an added bonus — the fourth-place team will enter the postseason.

“Our district is tough every single time you take the court,†Castino said. “You have to be on top of your game or you will lose. Adding a fourth playoff team doesn’t make things easier for any of us. Right now, Port Neches-Groves looks so strong again. Ozen has a good group back. Lumberton will be tough. It’s going to be interesting.â€

The Lady Bears crank up their 2008 season at home against Hamshire-Fannett Aug. 12. They will start 20-4A play Sept. 2 at PN-G.

[blt22]

Good Luck LADY BEARS!

[Red Pepper]

    LCM is very fortunate to have Coach Vicki Castino.  She has really built a program since her arrival there.  It's just unbelievable that such a program could have been developed in only a short time. 

    Good Job Coach.

[Bobcat1]

I went to the LC-M - BC scrimmage last night, LC-M looked very good!  I look for them to do VERY well this year.

[Guest HC11]

Just curious. How long has LC-M's coach been there and how many district championships ?

[Guest b-a-g fan]

Not many with Port Neches and Nederland In the District

[revfaulk]

she has been there a long time, won district twice.... maybe 3 times. it's hard to put together a better system than png. not just for a year, but for several decades.

[Guest HC11]

Thanks Rev. I thought she had been there for 15 or more years.

[revfaulk]

i would bet at least 15 years.

[Guest b-a-g fan]

You are correct PNG is at the top every year along with LCM and they caint just have great talent for all those years ??? It has to be coaching.