Girls’ basketball: Chatsworth lacks confidence, but no shortage of inconsistency

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After a 48-42 loss to Magnolia on Saturday, Chatsworth girls’ basketball Coach Michelle Chevalier talked about leadership and stepping up -- and the fact that her leaders aren’t.

‘No question we have a lot of talent,’ Chevalier said. ‘We have to do a better job. Our upperclassmen have to produce. This year we’re looking to be champions.’

One of those singled out was Eryka Menzies, who has averaged only 4.8 points and shot only 18% from the three-point line. Last season, she averaged 16.1 points and was ninth in the state in three-point shooting at 39% and averaging 3.3 threes a game. She committed to Mercer and is one of three Division I college players in the starting lineup. Against Magnolia, Menzies did not score. ‘We need her three-point shot,’ Chevalier said.

But the inconsistency of Chatsworth (15-5) doesn’t just fall on Menzies. Said Chevalier: ‘We expect a lot more’ of junior Kimberly Brandon, who has already committed to Arizona State. ‘She’s turning the ball over more than a post player should. She needs to step up, and so should Gennifer, who’s another D1 player.’

Gennifer is Gennifer Brandon, a 6-foot-3 junior, who has averaged a team-high 13.9 points. Sister Kimberly, a 6-1 senior, has averaged 13.4. Senior guards Tessondra Williams and Kim Smith could play college in Division II, Chevalier said.

I caught the fourth quarter against Magnolia, and the Chancellors didn’t look very smart.

‘We need more consistency. We have all the pieces of the puzzle,’ Chevalier said. ‘Our decision-making is so poor right now. Mentally, they haven’t grabbed hold of of the fact they’re a championship-caliber team. We lack confidence. That’s probably our biggest downfall.’

-- Martin Henderson