Naylor's Hailee Deckard [Click to enlarge]

By BRAD HURT ~ DAR Sports Writer

After missing out on the playoffs last season, Naylor is primed to erase that bitter memory with a deep playoff run.

The Lady Eagles are led by senior Hailee Deckard, who gives opposing defenses headaches night in and night out. Deckard's surrounding cast includes several players who can step up and have a big game.

On any given night, one player or another can step up and produce for the Lady Eagles (21-2). Sophomore Holly Deckard and senior Charissa Bridges feature consistent outside shots that can add up in a hurry.

The Lady Eagles' balance can create problems for opposing defenses.

"Teams can't just focus on Hailee," said Lady Eagles coach Gene Deckard.

Moriah Goodrum has found her shooting stroke lately and has been key in many of the Lady Eagles' victories.

"Moriah is our second leading scorer off the bench," Deckard said.

Along with Cheyenne Ragsdale these players provide alternate scoring options for the Lady Eagles when defenses collapse on Deckard in the post, opening up the perimeter.

Hailee Deckard's ability to create for herself and attack the basket forces defenses to react, often abandoning their most comfortable style of play.

"She keeps people from playing us man-to-man," Gene Deckard said.

Coach Deckard said the other teams in the district will not make it easy for the Lady Eagles to advance.

"Neelyville is young but dangerous," he said, noting the Lady Tigers' wins over Doniphan and Twin Rivers.

The Lady Tigers are the No. 2 seed in the tournament and are back at full strength with the return of senior Libby Parrish from injury.

"(Morgan) McCormick is awfully good," he said of the Campbell junior who is averaging 11.5 points and 6 rebounds per game.

Campbell coach Daren Ellsworth, whose Lady Camels could face the Lady Eagles in the championship game if they get past Neelyville on Tuesday, said Naylor forces teams to play their absolute best.

"We need everybody playing well, and we can't make mistakes," he said of the keys to an upset win for his team.

The other district coaches all share Ellsworth's opinion of the Lady Eagles, who appear to be head-and-shoulders above their competition.

"Naylor is extremely talented," said Senath-Hornersville coach Jamie Johnson.