Tester Heads Rookie Team

El Dorado News-Times article

Some people learn by watching. The 2001 News-Times Girls All-Rookie Basketball Team learned by doing this season. On the job training was what was in store for Union County’s top sophomores, who played key roles for their teams.

El Dorado’s Kristian Tester, Union’s Mary Beth Gilmore, Huttig’s Brittney Schoonover, Parkers Chapel’s Amanda Swilley and West Side Christian’s Mandi McCann proved to be the fastest learners as they made an immediate impact at the senior varsity level.

Tester, who set a school record with 155 assists, exceeded expectations when she averaged 11 points per game and helped El Dorado earn its first state-tournament berth since 1994.

“She has a good court presence and shoots the ball well,” said Kingsland coach Mark Young. “More than anything else, she has a real hunger for the game. She doesn’t like to lose, is real competitive.”

Gilmore helped the Lady Cyclones get to the state tournament, leading the team in 3-pointers made. If there was an MVP award for what players did in the summer, the 5-8 forward might’ve won it last year as she took her game from the post to the perimeter.

“She’s probably the most improved player in the conference,” said Strong coach Kendra Ferguson. “You could tell she went to work over the summer.”

McCann is a junior but was probably a rookie in the truest sense. A home schooler, the 5-10 post had never played basketball at the public or private school level. Her primary experience came in the Boys & Girls Club.

“She’s been a real joy to have on the team,” said West Side coach Rosemary Cloud, who said McCann had to adjust to playing with a girls basketball. “She just wanted to be on the team, wanted to contribute. She’s worked really hard. I’m looking for great things from her next year.”

“She’s a super nice young lady,” said Union coach Gary Don Smith. “I was tickled to see her get a chance to play this year. She gave them some height and a little touch around the basket. She plays hard.”

Schoonover, a 6-0 sophomore, was a starter for Huttig and was one of the team’s top scorers, rebounders and shot blockers. Her size makes her one of the league’s top young players.

“Her height makes her a force to reckon with,” said Smith. “You know she’s there.”

“She’s got a lot of potential,” said Ferguson. “You can see some good things in her. She’s got a pretty good little shot.”

Swilley did not have the numbers of some of the other rookies but her impact was felt just the same. The 5-7 wing player came off the bench to spark the senior-ladened Lady Trojans.

“I think Swilley is definitely an up and coming player,” said Smith. “She gave them good bench strength. I didn’t notice them losing much when she was on the floor.”