Lady Bengal sophomores lead the way

As LSU Eunice head basketball ccoach Amanda Clemons enters her third season with the Lady Bengals, she has great expectations for her sophomore returning players.
“We are definitely going to have a lot of talent there is no doubt about that,” Clemons said.
“The sophomores are a quality bunch, are great leaders and they know what is expected from them.”
Becca Brooks (Sulphur), Abby Jolie (Sam Houston), Sydney Martin (North Central), Lorielle Greenhouse (Marksville), Jazmyn Menina and Janeica Menina (Mandeville) will return for their sophomore seasons.
“I am extremely excited about this next season,” the coach said. “With the talent we have and the caliber of people they are, we will have a good group.”
Brooks averaged 15.2 points per game last season, behind sophomore Katie Lemieux (19.7).
“Becca was injured in preseason and had to have hip surgery and had to redshirt her true freshman year,” Clemons said. “Last year’s preseason I started to realize what kind of athlete she is.
Brooks pushed in an average of four three-pointers a game, the best on the team.
Brooks set the single- season record of 112 three-pointers and is third in career treys behind Renotta Edwards (126 in 2005-07) and Amanda Romero (115 in 2004-06).
“It was unreal to see how to see how well she can shoot the three-pointer,” the coach said.
“But she also is agressive on defense and rebounding the ball.”
Twin sisters Jazmyn and Janeica Menina will also be contributers for the Lady Bengals this next season.
“Janeica was orginally our manager and would practice with us,” Clemons said. “After we had a few players injured, Janeica was made eligible for the second half of the season.
“Jazmyn was injured in pre-season and that put her behind,” the coach said. “It wasn’t until later in the season that she really began to shine with rebounds, steals and really good defense.
“Both of the sisters give 100 percent all of the time.”
Jolie was another Lady Bengal who battled back from medical issues to perform on the court later in the season.
“She played well once she hit the court,” the coach said. “I think this season will be her year to shine.”
Greenhouse couldn’t finish last season but the coach is confident that Marksville product will be a factor on the floor for the Lady Bengals.
“She knows the offense, defense and the whole program in general,” Clemons said. “I have great expectations that she will be able to show our post players what to do.
“She gives everything she has blocking out and grabbing rebounds.”
Martin injured her knee but has battled back in rehab, but Clemons is confident the former Lady Hurricane will be a force to reckon with.
“She can see the whole court,” the coach said. “She does a great job to get her teammates open, but is also not intimidated when she drives the ball.”
Clemons, who was a guard at LSU Eunice from 2001-2004 under the program’s first head coach Kathy Barlow, went on to play at Louisiana College.
After a playing career at LSU Eunice and Louisiana College, Clemons earned her master’s degree while serving as an Assistant Coach at Mississippi College.
“I am so excited to see what this team can do,” she said. “I have high hopes for the season.
The team reports on Aug. 15 before beginning preseason workouts on Aug. 17.