Charlotte Observer Sweet 16 girls basketball countdown: Vance Cougars
The Observer will be previewing the teams ranked in its girls basketball Sweet 16 poll this week (Nov. 4-10). The final order of the teams will be announced in the Sunday, Nov. 11 print editions.
VANCE COUGARS
Head Coach: Donnell Rhyne (3rd year as Vance head coach).
2017-18 Record: 21-7 (12-2 in the I-Meck 4A conference).
Returning Starters (4): Makayla Marshall, So., G (5-3); Tanajah Hayes, So. G (5-5); Keyonna Morgan, Jr., F (5-11); Amahya Moreland, So., C (6-0).
Key Newcomers: Excellanxt Greer; Trinity Moreland; Leah Barringer.
Outlook: The Cougars made a major jump last year going 21-7 overall, advancing to the third round of the 4A state playoffs with a roster made up of mostly freshmen and sophomores. This year, Vance looks to major another big jump. With four starters back, led by sophomores,Tanajah Hayes (17 ppg, 5 spg), Amahya Moreland (11 ppg, 5 rpg) and junior Keyonna Morgan, coach Donnell Rhyne says the Cougars’ goals include: “win the conference, winning the state and becoming nationally ranked.”...Greer, a 5-7 senior, is a transfer from Meade (MD) High where she was all-conference performer, who averaged 12 points per game on a third round playoff team.