Faucett era begins for Lady Eagles
New coach takes reigns of troubled girls' basketball program
BY LELAND ACKER

Rusk Lady Eagles Head Basketball Coach Josh Faucett supervises his team while they run the "three-man weave" drill. Coach Faucett is beginning his first year at Rusk High School. (Below) Cambry Blakemore recovers a loose ball during passing drills Thursday at the first practice for the Rusk Lady Eagles. Blakemore, a senior, begins her fourth season as a Rusk Lady Eagle. PHOTOS: LELAND ACKER

The Rusk Lady Eagles basketball team began practice Thursday with a new general. Josh Faucett, first year coach for the Lady Eagles, may not have a long coaching resume, but he knows basketball.

"I played high school basketball in Neches from 1997 to 2000," Coach Faucett said, explaining that Neches was a perennial district championship contender. "We made it to bi-district, but could not get over the hump."

He said Neches' playoff losses were to eventual state finalists.

Since high school, Coach Faucett has worked with youth at the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in Palestine, coaching basketball and t-ball, among other sports. A recent graduate of the University of Texas- Tyler, he begins his career at the helm of a Lady Eagle program which has not won a district game in more than two years.

"I am blessed to have this head coaching job as my first job," Coach Faucett said. "Each year is a new year. Sometimes a new player or coach can turn a program around."

He said new players are numerous for Rusk this season. Twenty-two Rusk High School girls will suit up to play basketball this season, allowing for depth on both the varsity and junior varsity.

"We're returning a lot of players," Coach Faucett said. "We have some of the same girls and some fresh faces."

Among the returning starters for the Lady Eagles are Cambry Blakemore, Jasmine Harris and Charnell Franklin. New players to the roster this season include volleyball standouts Meagan Richey and Christa Adams.

Higher participation numbers are the result of Coach Faucett reminding players to sign up for the team and working with the team in athletics period during volleyball season.

"I kept saying, we need as many good players as possible," he said. "We worked on conditioning and skills two days per week during the athletic period."

The higher participation plus the number of returning players has Coach Faucett's hopes up.

"I really think we have a good shot to make the playoffs," he said.

If all goes well, these ingredients will lead into his favorite situation.

"My favorite part of coaching is when everyone is giving their all and encouraging each other," he said. "Even if we don't make the bucket, we're still cheering each other on."

Coach Faucett will be assisted by Tiffany Cooksey, who relieves last year's assistant, Jamie Hays. Coach Hays who is the assistant volleyball coach and head cross country and track coach.

Coach Faucett will assist Coach Hays in track season. During the day he teaches physical education and TAKS preparation classes.

"We've got some good games on the schedule, we're in good tournaments and we have a good variety of hard working players," he said. "I look forward to competing for the district title every year."

The Rusk Lady Eagles will open the season at home against Malakoff Nov. 6. The JV will play at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity.