Lady Tigers hoopsters, led by former LHS athlete, hope to rebound in 2013-14 campaign

Anderson, 32, who’s stepping in this season for Coach Miguel Macias, is a 1999 LHS grad who was an all-league point guard for the Tigers and she knows what it’s like to win.

Unfortunately, the experts have Hanford picked again to win the league championship. Anderson says the Bullpups are returning some good players and have some top notch caliber athletes entering the league this year.

Lemoore got their season off to an early start on Tuesday with a non-league contest at Hoover High School.

Anderson is optimistic. “I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people this year,” she said when beginning to talk about her team.

A year ago the Tigers finished at 6-6 in league, good enough for fourth place in the West Yosemite League. They were 15-12 overall and lost in the playoffs to Ridgeview 83-36.

The new coach is looking forward to this year. A year ago, she was coaching the junior varsity squad to a league title. “I’m excited. I think it is a real good opportunity for me,” said Anderson. “I feel lucky to inherit such a talented team. The kids are getting along really well and there is good chemistry.”

Anderson has some good players returning like guard Keisha Loftin, a talented senior who will be the team’s “driving force,” she said. “She’s a defensive guru. She is all over the place.”

Another senior, Kody Steen returns to the post spot. “She’s physical and quite a bull like presence in the middle of the key,” said Anderson. “She’ll beat you up in the key.”

The Tigers will also count on some more returners, including sophomore Bobbie Henry, a tall post player who continues to improve in the paint. The Tigers will also have sophomores Nicole Vega and Kayla Beck back as guards. Beck sat out last year as a freshman with an injury.

Hard-working junior Amarisa Mesa will take on point guard duties for Lemoore. “She’s a hard worker,” said Anderson.