Ridgeland girls counting on 'D' to lead title defense

The Ridgeland girls basketball coach knows expectations are high after the Jaguars delivered the school a Class 1-A state championship in 2010. The state's coaches must think something is there. They've voted the Jaguars the top team in Class 1-A to start the season.

A return trip to Columbia would mean Ridgeland overcame losing its top two scorers and rebounders, including 2010 Class 1-A player of the year Brittany Richardson, who averaged a double-double and could run the floor as well as play in the post.

Despite the losses, the Jaguars are confident. They return three starters, including what Toomer believes could be the best backcourt in the state in April Jenkins and Matesha Stevenson.

And he believes the continued commitment to tenacious defense could propel the Jaguars to another title game appearance.