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DEL.ICIO.USTipton acquits herself just fine
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
VINO WONG / Staff
New Collins Hill girls coach Tracey Tipton knew she had some big shoes to fill following Angie Hembree's departure.
Tracey Tipton’s first go-round as Collins Hills’ girls basketball coach just might be the best gig she’ll ever have. Taking over for heralded Angie Hembree, Tipton got the keys to one Rolls-Royce of a basketball team — led by fabulous forward Maya Moore.
Now, Tipton seeks to keep the Lady Eagles on the road toward another state championship, and possibly, a national title as well.
Her initial test drive went as advertised.
In the season opener Tuesday, Collins Hill had a few early fits and stops, but still surged to an impressive 82-50 win over Norcross.
“No, it didn’t come out just the way we drew it up, but I think we had first-game jitters,” Tipton said. “We were real excited, and it took a little time to settle down and get into the flow of what we wanted to do.”
The Eagles were not alone in their eagerness. Tipton also longed to get this high-octane party started.
“Oh yeah, I certainly had butterflies before the game,” Tipton said. “Having a team as talented as we have, we’re still figuring out which combinations work best in certain situations.
“That’s still going to take some time.”
But not too much.
Tipton is not new to this rodeo.
As an assistant to Hembree, now on staff at the University of Miami, Tipton guided the Collins Hill JV team to three straight unbeaten seasons. Before that, the former college point guard was head coach at North Forsyth.
Yet, this opening night was unequalled.
“It was a first time as head coach to play with as much talent as we have here,” Tipton said. “I’m sure it was weighing on me, to be honest. USA Today ranks us No. 2 in the nation. … I told them, that’s just a number on a piece of paper. We have to back it up with how we play.”
Initially, the Eagles did not perform as billed. Such was the newness of the cast supporting Moore, heady point guard Shantell Black and imposing center Brittany Cade.
Added to the mix were talented transfers Taylor Dalrymple, Jordan Jones and Renee Jackson — along with new starter Chauntel Ferdinand and subs Nikki Urbizo, Shakeda Richie and Tamara Perkins.
Small wonder the quick and aggressive Blue Devils were within six points late in the half. Even more amazing was the rare sight of Moore forcing shots. Normally, she’s the epitome of cool.
Tipton, though, remained unflappable.
Actually, the only twinge of woe she exhibited came when her silver earring fell to floor midway through the third quarter. Tipton calmly swooped it up, reinserted it and maintained composure.
The Eagles regained their poise, too.
Black directed the new additions with aplomb. Jones and Urbizo dropped long bombs. Jackson attacked the rim, while Cade and Darymple took command of the low post.
By the time Moore returned from foul-induced purgatory at the start of the final period, she was her usual, smooth self, and Collins Hills clicked on all cylinders. Just as Hembree would expect.
“Angie, in my mind, was the best high school coach I’ve ever known,” Tipton said. “I’d be lying to say there wasn’t a little bit of pressure, knowing everybody is looking at me.”
You did just swell.
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