GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEW: Charleston seeking first district title since 2004

Saturday, November 22, 2014
Charleston's Sierra Frazier (10) tries getting around Sikeston's Erica Peet last season at Charleston High School. (Brent Shipman, Staff)

CHARLESTON -- It's been four years since their last trip to the district title game, but the expectations remain the same as ever for the Charleston Lady Bluejays.

After seeing their share of growing pains in recent seasons they bring back almost their entire core following a disappointing loss in the opening round of the Class 3, District 1 Tournament.

"Our goals every year is to win a district title, which is something that we haven't done since 2004," Lady Bluejays' head coach Josh Thompson said. "We have been a relatively young team the last few years and that has hurt us in certain situations.

"We hope that the experience we have gained will help us have a successful season."

Coming off back-to-back seasons where they lost their top-scorer to graduation, Charleston returns not only its leading scorer, senior guard Sierra Frazier, but a total of four starters and six of their top seven scorers.

Frazier leads the pack with 22.5 points-per game last season, followed by junior forward Cheyenne Randle, who average a double-double with 19.6 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. Senior guard Juwanna Walker also returns after scoring 12.1 points per game in her junior campaign.

On their disappointing 66-59 upset loss at the hands of East Prairie in the district opener, that left them 11-14 on the year, Thompson said it has helped set the tone in preparing for this season.

"The way last year ended has left a sour taste in our mouths," Thompson said. "We did not meet our own expectations, but this is something that has helped us prepare.

"We have very high standards that we set for ourselves and the players have been working to meet those."

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