Last year, the North Shore Mustangs had one of the best guards in the country (Lauren Flores) and they didn't make it to Austin, so how is it that without her the entire STATE is talking about them as the team to beat in 2010? Full Court Press Analyst Simmie Colson says, "North Shore is quick and very athletic. They are the team to beat in Region 3 and although you can't read a lot into fall leagues, they were the most impressive team this pre-season. Courtney Williams is a mismatch waiting to happen, several teams are going to have more than just their hands full trying to contain this kid who probably could average 30 points a game. Ariel Preston's outside shooting will make this a potent 1-2 combination for the Mustangs."

So let's take a closer look at why the Stangs look so tough.

Head Coach
Allison Campbell

TexasGirlsBasketball.com asked coach Campbell, "Many people are talking about you guys as the team to beat in region 3. What will make you so dangerous in 2010?

Coach Campbell responded, "I am not sure we will be much different than we have been in the past for 2010. We will be small, but speedy and athletic. Our guard play may actually be the thing that is better due to the fact that so many of my kids are more experienced than they were last year. The kids seem to be very cohesive this season, they just seem to be 'clicking' better at this point. Our defense will be tough, as I believe it always is. I just like the 'team' feeling I am getting from these kids so far."

TexasGirlsBasketball.com continued, "Losing a star like Lauren Flores and then getting better? That sounds like a strectch. How will you pull that off?

Coach Campbell said, "Well, first of all. Lauren Flores has left her mark on our program and that remains despite the fact she is gone. All of these kids have competed with her and against her for the last several years. But, on the flip side, we may have at times expected too much from her. Kids may have gotten caught standing around watching or waiting for Lauren to do something. I don't see that as much this year. In addition, we pride ourselves on our "program", not necessarily one player."

TexasGirlsBasketball.com asked, " You had some big wins in '09 including Pflugerville, Bellaire, Westfield and Wagner. How do you think those accomplishments will help in '10?

Coach Campbell replied, "Those were great wins, but we expect to win all of our games. That is what we are after at North Shore. As far as it helping in 2010, we won't know that until we see how the season progresses. Each year is really a new year. Actually, I think some of our losses last year will really help us. The kids seem to be hungry to take things to a new level this year."

Ashley Benjamin

Arielle Preston

TexasGirlsBasketball.com asked Arielle,
"What are your thoughts about your team this year?

Ari responded, "i really don't know where I would be if it wasn't for coach Campbell. She's not an average high school coach, she cares about us and wants the best for us. Being a senior i can honestly say that i will miss her so much when i leave. She makes you work, not only in basketball but in life. And it has been a while, but she has even been known to display her 'walk it out' dance after a big win. Probably one of the funniest things I have ever seen.

I Know my role on this team and I play it to the best of my abilities and try to help my teammates out if one of them is having a bad game. I think other teams have to be worried about our defense, because we like to jump on the other team quick, and our speed is scary, because we like to run the floor."

Coach Campbell had this to say about Ari, "She brings experience and offense for us. This kid is a three year letterman who knows what needs to be done to succeed. She is a great deep threat and has worked to make her offensive repetoire complete. I would like to see her dedicate herself to becoming a better defender."

Shatoya White

TJ Jefferson

TJ's teammate Ari had this to say about her, "Taylor Jefferson is one of the player's on our team that has the potential to make the biggest difference. She is working on her release to make it faster, and if she do that she will be an amazing shooter."

Coach Campbell added, " TJ- Wow. TJ's game has really improved. I am really happy with everything she is doing at this point. Her shot looks good and her defense is nice. She will be

Katria Young

Monique Bedford

Lamicha Jackson

Kele Gibson

Courtney Williams

Coach Campbell on her team, "There were so many great moments last year. A really special one for me was when Lauren broke the school scoring record of 2200 points. We called a timeout and celebrated it with her. The team was excited for her and we were all very proud. For her to do that, when she was always a pass first kid, was so great. I was really proud of her and our team. These kids keep me laughing alot because they enjoy the game and eachother. There are so many things I want people to know about my team. First and foremost, I really love these kids. They are winners, in the classroom and on the court. I love how much they give to their school and each other. I am so proud of the people they are. I love how we are a TEAM. Our program has very high expectations and these kids meet those on a daily basis. They are a group of young ladies that I am lucky and honored to coach. I have had opportunities to leave North Shore, but
these kids keep me here. They are all a coach could ask for. I have two of the best assistant coaches in the state and I consider them my equals. Plus, I have GREAT middle school coaches who have helped build this program and develop our kids.
I attribute much of our success to this wonderful support staff."

We at TexasGirlsBasketball.com wish the Mustangs a great 2009-10 season!