LAURINBURG — Scotland High School’s basketball teams opened up their 2016-17 seasons on Tuesday in Fayetteville. Both teams took on Douglas Byrd in a non-conference match-up to get things started.
The Lady Scots finished last season with a 17-10 overall record and a 9-1 record in the Southeastern Conference. The Lady Scots lost to Lumberton in the SEC finals, 64-57 and had to settle for a share of the conference title with the Lady Pirates. The team advanced to the 4A NCHSAA playoffs where they were ranked No. 14. They hosted No. 19 R.J. Reynolds and were knocked out in the first round, 65-56.
This season, the Lady Scots have a new head coach in Mallarie Snow who took over the team in July. Snow takes over for former coach Janie Hodges, who had taken another coaching job out of state but was late unable to accept it. Hodges is still a teacher at Scotland High School, but chose not to return as the girl’s basketball coach.
The Lady Scots return three-time all-conference player, Khasiya Sellers, and last year’s SEC co-player of the year ShanQaylia Stanton.
The 6-foot 2-inch Sellers averaged 10.7 points per game last season and lead the team in rebounds with 10.6 and blocks with almost two per game. The 5-foot 6-inch Stanton averaged 13.6 points, just over three rebounds, 4.2 assists, and three steals per game.
Other than Stanton and Sellers the rest of the Lady Scots line-up is fairly young with six juniors, two sophomores and one freshman.
A full preview of the Lady Scots 2016-17 season will appear in Friday’s edition of the paper along with a team photo, roster and schedule.
FIGHTING SCOTS
The Fighting Scots finished last season with an 11-13 overall record and a 5-5 record in the Southeastern Conference. The Scots lost in the conference semi-finals last year to Hoke County, 81-59, putting them in a tie for fourth in the SEC standings. The Scots missed out on making the NCHSAA 4A playoffs last year.
This season, second-year head coach Matt Justin returns as the Scots leader. Prior to Justin taking the helm, the Scots were coached by Michael Malpass, who led them to their first Southeastern Conference title in 14 seasons in 2015.
The Fighting Scots return all-conference and all-district District 8 guard Niem Ratliffe. The 5-foot-10 junior averaged 13.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.6 steals per game. He is the only all-conference returner for the Scots will the graduation of Willie Douglas.
Several starting players for the Scots have returned including junior guard Justin McRae and senior forward Al Farmer.
After having a very youthful roster last season, the Scots are more experienced with five seniors, five juniors and one freshman.
A full preview of the Fighting Scots 2016-17 season will appear in Friday’s edition of the paper along with a team photo, roster and schedule.
Amber Hatten can be reached at 910-506-3170.
