Three consecutive seasons the Charles Henderson Trojans girls’ basketball team has played in the region tournament. Three consecutive seasons the team has made it to the region championship game. Three consecutive seasons the girls’ team has lost the region championship game.

“Once you’ve done that three years in a row, you want to get over the hump,” head coach Dyneshia Jones said. “We’re thankful to get there, but we’re trying to get to Birmingham this year.”

The Trojans lost four seniors from last season’s team, but Jones is confident in her youthful Trojans and their ability.

“We’re good on offense and defense,” Jones said. “If we put our minds together, any team will have problems stopping us.”

The first team Jones hopes has problems with the Trojans offense is Abbeville next Tuesday night. The Trojans will have some weapons ready for the season opener.

The MVP of last year’s region tournament just happens to be a returning player for the Trojans.

Niara Shipman was capable of leading the orange and blue in scoring and rebounds at times off the bench last season, and she was only a freshman.

The sophomore is listed as a probable starter for this season, and she will most likely share the court with senior, fifth-year starter Erica Henderson.

Henderson has started for the Trojans since she was in the eighth grade, and she is the only senior on this year’s squad.

The key to this year’s team according to Jones is the relationships the players share not only on the court, but off.

“It’s about working and commitment,” Jones said. “I have no problems with any of them missing practice without reasons. They’re all friends. We’re looking forward to a great year, and I have my complete confidence we’re going to do well.”

After the Trojans face Abbeville Tuesday, they will play Wednesday and Friday. The Trojans first home contest is Dec. 6 against Jeff Davis.