The Simmons High School girls basketball team is once again off to a strong start with a 7-1 record, but this season the Devilettes are playing the game a bit differently.
Because of the Simmons’ talent down low in sophomore Akiah Prince and senior Taliyah Edwards, the Devileetes are playing more bully ball this year. Prince (6-foot-1) leads the team in points at 13.3 points a game and is averaging 6.6. rebounds a game. Edwards (5-foot-11) is third on her team in points at 9.1 per game and first in rebounds at 7.4 a game.
“We have been blessed with size this year with Akiah and Taliyah,” Simmons head coach Bernita Alexander said. “I like the fact that we have a different look. We have two post in the inside that people have to deal with that presents problems for other teams.”
Coach Alexander has a long track record of success coaching the Devilettes. She led them to the MHSAA state championship game in 2019 and last year, under her leadership, they finished the season with a 21-2 record.
Coach Alexander’s ultimate goal is to lead her Devilettes to another state championship. Simmons’ two state championships were in 1992 and 1993 under head coach George Willis.
Although the season is still early, Coach Alexander is not putting any limits on what her team can accomplish. While Prince and Edwards give the Devilettes a powerful force down low, Simmons is balanced all over the court.
Senior point guard Jamira Scott provides the Devilletes with a steady hand guiding the Simmons offense. Junior small forward Aaliyah Esco has stepped up big as well and used her athletic ability to get quick points and rebounds. Sophomore shooting guard Vontasia Rush has also performed well this season.
“What I like about this team is that, one through five all, of them can step up for us on any given night,” Coach Alexander said. “All of them can get 10 points a night and if they are doing that I am satisfied because people are going to have to pick their poison against us. All of them are doing something different for the team. All of them can play multiple positions. It is not unusual for our big girls to get the ball and dribble it down the floor for us.”
The Devilettes were scheduled to play at Leland Friday night.
Devilettes 34, North Side Gators 28
Akiah Prince led Simmons with 13 points in their victory over the Lady Gators Tuesday night. Vontasia Prince scored 13 points. Taliya Edwards scored five points and Aaliyah Esco scored four points.
Simmons boys 52, North Side 50
Carl Lucas Jr. led Simmons with 17 points Tuesday night in the Blue Devils win over the Gators. Prentavius Madison and Devontae Rush each scored 10 points and Zach Nelson scored eight points. The Blue Devils now have a 4-2 record heading into their game Friday night against Leland.
