DON'T TAKE GRIZZLIES TEAM LIGHTLY.

Byline: JUSTIN FRANK Staff Writer

The Golden Valley of Santa Clarita's girls' basketball team may be just in its second season of varsity play and entering its first year in the Foothill League, but that doesn't mean coach Troy Best thinks his team won't compete.

Best believes with his core from last season's 14-13 team that made the Southern Section Div. III-A playoffs, and a few additions, his new league opponents should not take them lightly.

Joining leading scorer and upcoming junior Meredith Mathis, who averaged 13.5 points per game is Kendra Carter, a Burbank High transfer. The 6-foot soon-to-be junior, who is averaging over 15 points during summer play, is expected to make an immediate impact with her new team.

``She is going to help us right away,'' Best said. ``Her outside shooting ability and inside presence are going to be huge for us.''

The Grizzles will also be counting on the contributions of two upcoming freshman. Point guard Brooke Lemar and forward/center Jazmine Jefferson are already in Best's starting lineup.

``(Lemar) is going to be one of the top freshmen in the area and (Jefferson) is a solid rebounder who is going to help us inside, which was one of our weakness last season,'' Best said.

Also projected in the Golden Valley starting lineup are Tera McKelvey, who averaged nine points and eight rebounds last season and Aylssa Hernandez, who scored 11 points and pulled down five rebounds.

Despite a solid starting five, Best has concerns about his team's depth.

``I'll take our starting five with anyone in the (Foothill) League,'' Best said. ``But, we don't have the bench that Hart, Valencia, Saugus and Canyon have now. Hopefully we can get someone to step up.''

[e-mail]

[phone]