Charles Henderson set to take on Clarke County at AHSAA South Regional

During a spirited practice Wednesday afternoon, Charles Henderson head coach Dyneshia Jones preached “disruption” to her players.

The Lady Trojans meet three-loss Clark County on Thursday at the Dothan Civic Center in the first round of the AHSAA 4A South Regional Tournament.

Clarke County finished the regular season ranked second in the state of Alabama per the Alabama Sports Writers Association poll, and Jones knows her team has tough draw in the first round.

“They are a fantastic team,” Jones said. “But we are pretty good as well. It will be a good game between two good basketball teams. It will come down to the who makes the least amount of mistakes.”

Clarke County knocked off Wilcox Central 56-51 in the Sub-Regional round, and features a handful of players that like to handle the ball and create shots.

In the win over Wilcox, Shanda Pugh, Ashley Daffin and Jordan Hollins all scored in double figures.

The Lady Trojans, who take a lot of pride in their defense, want to keep that from happening again.

“We want to make them uncomfortable,” said Jones. “They have been doing the same things all year long, and have gotten used to it. We want to make them do things they aren’t use to doing, and then take advantage of it.”

Charles Henderson beat St. James 47-25 in the Sub-Regional and hasn’t been substantially tested since an upset loss to Bullock County way back on January 10.

The tournament will take place at the Dothan Civic Center, a 3,100-seat building.

Clarke County has been to the Civic Center in years past. Charles Henderson has not.

Jones talked about the “big gym woes” with her team earlier in the week, but also reminded them of one important fact.

“No one has practiced on that floor this year,” said Jones. “The rim is still 10 feet off the ground, and the court is the same length and width as ours. Everyone is in the same boat as far as that is concerned. They will be a little taken back before, but once the ball goes up it is all about basketball then.

So, how does Jones plan to beat the Lady Bulldogs?

She has a very simple philosophy.

“We just need to make more buckets than the other team,” said Jones with a smile. “Every game I have ever coached, that is the thing that matters.”

The Lady Trojans’ game against Clarke County is set for a 3 p.m. tip.