TERRY HANDLING PRESSURE OF BEING SOPHOMORE STARTER

Starting as a sophomore, Tempi Terry is quickly adjusting to the difference in junior high and senior high basketball, but she is doing so without caving to the pressure that comes with the situation.

“Tempi was a pretty dominant post last year for us in junior high,” said head coach Katelyn Holumb. “As a sophomore, I've put a lot of pressure on her to continue to be dominant at the senior high level. She succeeds at this most nights."

Starting all 18 games Terry is averaging over 8.1 points per game and scored a career high 18 in a win at Paris earlier this month. She has been in double figures seven times.

Terry also accounted for 14 points and seven rebounds at Cedarville last Friday.

She has managed 5.8 rebounds per game with a high of 12 in that same game in Paris.

“There is a lot of pressure on me because I’m a sophomore. I have to be good,” Terry admits.

It has not all been glory, of course, for the 5’ 8” Terry.

“There are occasions where she plays like a 10th grader, but overall she has handled the pressure well and there are very few teams in our conference with a true post that can guard her,” said Holub. “She’s a good kid that is very eager to learn and I look forward to her growth in the future and to see what she can bring to the table for us.”

As with most post players, foul trouble is often an issue. She did foul out Tuesday night but prior to the game with Hackett, had been working to minimize cheap fouls that result in time on the bench.

An aspect of the pressure she faces is that if Terry is sitting, there is a ripple effect in that often forces Linley Garrett inside, taking away her strength of 3-point shooting on those possessions.

Terry said she is finding ways to be aggressive with as little contact as possible to avoid as many whistles as possible.

Terry concentrates only on basketball, but has considered track. If not she has plans on what part of her game to address.

“Free throws, and my post moves,” said Terry. “And (shooting) 3s.”

So far this season she has managed a single 3 point basket.

Terry, who is the daughter of Katherine Terry, says her class schedule includes the “harder classes” in the morning, like Algebra II, and easier classes in the afternoon, though she does have honors biology immediately before athletics.

It is a diverse course load that also includes animal science and family science.

Terry and the Lady Bearcats are in action at home tomorrow (Friday) night against Charleston. Tipoff for the third of a four game set, will be after a junior boys game.