Simpson turns out simply terrific on hardwood for Lady Hornets
Martin Couch Sports editor

KEVIN NAGEL PHOTO UPCOURT Lady Hornet Alana Morris.

Anna Simpson is determined to make this season a good one for the Bryant Lady Hornets.

The junior guard/forward made every shot she took in a recent game against Marion at the Mills Invitational Tournament and led Bryant with 19 points. Her scoring is one of the positives that has helped the Lady Hornets improve this season, becoming a strong contender in Class 7A.

"We've been pretty good so far - we've only lost one game," Simpson said. "We've done better than I expected us to do, after coming off a tough season last year. This year we have leadership and we've all stepped up and worked together."

A better focus and team bonding are two reasons Simpson cites as the keys to success.

"It's really helped us get focused out there," she said. "This season is going to be a pretty good one for us. I try to stay positive and do my best to help teammates whenever I can."

Simpson plays the guard position mainly, but when the opposing team drops into a zone defense, she moves to the baseline, where she's very potent as a scorer.

KEVIN NAGEL PHOTOS SIMPSON Bryant Lady Hornet Anna Simpson, shown here guarding a Hot Springs defender and shooting over another, is one of the key players for Bryant this year in basketball.

"I've developed my shot a little bit, but mainly I attack the basket when I get the ball," she said. "I look to score or kick it out. Against Marion I had a good game, but I like teams that play zone against us. It gives me a chance to get inside."

Simpson said she believes that Bryant will make the state tournament this year.

"We fell just short last year," she said. "Things are going our way more this year and we've got help in the sophomores. We'll definitely make it to state and I think go pretty far. Coach [Blake] Condley has been my coach ever since I was in eighth grade. Our junior class is his first team and we think he's a great coach."

Last year, Simpson got a chance to play on the same team as her older sister, Sydney Simpson, who is now attending college in Fayetteville.

"She's my best friend and has always been supportive of me," the younger Simpson said. "She encouraged me a lot and it never bothered her that I got to play more than she did sometimes. She taught me to take a lot of pride in being a Lady Hornet. When people think of Arkansas basketball, they think of the Lady Hornets, who have always produced good basketball players and good teams. Coach Condley is working hard to improve the ball team and its program, to get back where it used to be."

SHOOTER KEVIN NAGEL PHOTO Lady Hornet Anna Simpson shoots a free throw against Hot Springs.