By Anvil Welch

awelch@joplinglobe.com

Picking a starting lineup isn’t a problem for Thomas Jefferson girls basketball coach Chris Myers.

That’s the least of Myers’ worries.

Myers has just five players entering the Cavaliers’ opener in their Classic tonight at 6 against second-seeded Southwest.

“Today, in practice,” Myers said Monday, ”we plan to go over sets or schemes for when we have only four players. I’m sure it’ll happen at some point in a game this season.

“We need to take care of ourselves (physically) and maintain a positive attitude,” Myers said. “We have to play with intelligence. Obviously, it will be a challenge.”

Myers has two full time starters returning in 5-foot-8 seniors Raychel Glassman and Cheyenne Hill. Sally Currence, a 5-9 sophomore with starting experience, is the third letter-winner.

Jessica Taylor, a 5-8 senior transfer from Carthage, and 5-7 sophomore Cassie Zuehlke round out the players.

Hill logged averages of 5 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals last season. Glassman contributed 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Currence added averages of 4 points, 3 boards and 2 steals.

“Hill, our most experienced player, will play the point,” Myers said.

Myers noted that Thomas Jefferson finished with eight players in 2007-08.

“We had five or six possible players transfer (before this season),” Myers said. “I’ve left the door open (for players still to come out and help).

“I’ve never seen, or heard, of any team opening the season with just five players,” Myers said.

“Our players understand the situation. They’ve been positive each day. They’ve done what we’ve asked.