Roane State Community College

Front row, from left, are Dasha Sharova, Mikayla Bennett, Joanna Young, Taylor Harris, Nicole Hassler, Taylor Neely and Katya Sharova. Back row, from left, are head coach Monica Boles, Tiffany Cantrell, Rameja Bell, Sarah Nixon, Shynika Batista, Molly Thomas, Jassmine Franklin, Ashley Cox, Shannon Parks (injured this season), and strength-and-conditioning coach Shaun Simpson. Not pictured are Ashton Pollitt and assistant coach Tinisha Key.

The Roane State Community College women’s basketball team is young but determined.

“They are so competitive with everything,” head coach Monica Boles said. “I don’t think I’ve ever had a team this competitive.”

After a 13-17 finish last season, the team’s fire is welcome, especially because the team is young. Only one returning player recorded meaningful minutes last year.

While short on experience, Roane State features plenty of talent. Boles said her most recent recruiting class is one of her best. The newcomers include Rameja Bell, who had Division I offers but chose Roane State, and all-state guard Ashley Cox from Stone Memorial High School in Crossville.

“We have a lot of youth, but I feel like we are in very good condition,” Boles said. “We have a totally different caliber team than we’ve had in the past. We have a lot more depth and shouldn’t see as much of a drop-off when we substitute.”

As usual, Boles wants to play an up-tempo style on offense and defense. She said the team’s offseason conditioning motto was “Ready to Run.”

“We won’t be the biggest team, we never are, but someone is going to have to defend us and handle our pressure,” Boles said. “We want an up-tempo style, in-your-face defense and transition baskets.”

Two new guards fit Roane State’s fast-paced style. Dasha and Katya Sharova from Russia will make their Raiderette debut this season. The Sharova twins have a wealth of basketball experience. Katya will play point, while Dasha will be a two guard.

Jassmine Franklin could become the team’s most productive post player. Franklin missed last season due to injury, and Boles is looking forward to having her back on the court.

Boles also hopes the program continues its trend of preparing players for the next level. Four players from last year’s team — Kayla Kimes (Tennessee Tech), Jill Herman and Kristina Stephens (University of the Cumberlands), and Takyah Gilmore (Carson-Newman) — are playing at four-year schools.

“That says something about our kids and their work ethic because they are coming here and getting better,” Boles said.

Boles, who is assisted by Tinisha Key and strength-and-conditioning coach Shaun Simpson, provided her outlook for each of the Raiderettes. Roane State opens the season at Spartanburg Methodist on Nov. 6. The Raiderettes first home game is Nov. 27 against Cincinnati State (7 p.m.)

Shynika Batista (32), sophomore, 5-9, guard, Carter High School (Knoxville): Batista is the only sophomore who played last season. Boles said Batista can run the point or play two guard. She has the ability to make slick passes as well as get to the rim for rebounds, and Boles expects her to be a leader this season.

Rameja Bell (20), freshman, 5-11, guard/post, Clarksville High School: Bell was the top reserve on a talent-rich Clarksville High team. Boles said she can “do it all”: rebound, shoot 3-pointers and play inside or outside. “She can do anything she wants to do athletically,” Boles said. “We are hoping she comes here and blossoms, and I think she will.”

Mikayla Bennett (25), freshman, 5-6, guard, Unicoi County High School (Erwin): Bennett’s role is to be an outside threat, and Boles said she plays that role well. Bennett can “shoot the lights out” and plays smart on both ends of the court.

Tiffany Cantrell (33), freshman, 5-7, guard, Hardin Valley Academy (Knoxville): A left-hander who can shoot from outside, Cantrell is smart and deceptively quick. Boles said Cantrell is a hard-working, “blue-collar” player.  She is always willing to do the little things and constantly maintains a positive attitude.

Ashley Cox (10), freshman, 5-9, guard, Stone Memorial High School (Crossville): Long and lanky, Cox has excellent court vision and is a good shooter. Boles said Cox is continuing to gain strength and is becoming very fond of the weight room.

Jassmine Franklin (24), sophomore, 6-1, post, Marion County High School (Lexington, Ky.): Franklin is healthy after suffering a knee injury during her freshman year and then missing last season because of an Achilles tendon injury. She’s back, and Boles expects Franklin to be the team’s top producer in the paint. “We love her aggressive nature and athleticism,” Boles said.

Taylor Harris (40), freshman, 5-6, guard, Hardin Valley Academy (Knoxville):  Harris is strong, quick, penetrates well and distributes the ball well. She’s also excellent at pressuring opposing guards.

Nicole Hassler (11), freshman, 5-6, guard, Stone Memorial High School (Crossville): Hassler is a good outside shooter with “ice in her veins,” Boles said. The 5-6 guard is deceptively quick and is a smart basketball player. She makes great cuts going to the basket.

Taylor Neely (42), freshman, 5-4, guard, York Institute (Jamestown): Neely is a good shooter who can hit outside shots and make baskets off the dribble. Neely is also a pesky on-the-ball defender who plays hard.

Sarah Nixon (12), freshman, 6-0, post, Rhea County High School (Spring City):  Nixon gives the Raiderettes a quality inside presence, and she runs the floor well. She added strength during the offseason while maintaining her quickness and speed.

Ashton Pollitt (23), freshman, 6-1, post, Harriman High School: Pollitt graduated from high school in 2005. She decided to resume her playing career at Roane State, and Boles said her maturity adds a lot to the team. She has a nice shooting touch around the basket and a good frame.

Dasha Sharova (5), sophomore, 5-6, guard, Norilsk, Russia: Dasha and twin sister Katya give Roane State two experienced, high-energy guards. Dasha is more of a two-guard. She shoots the ball well, plays smart, and is a good defender.

Katya Sharova (3), sophomore, 5-8, guard, Norilsk, Russia: Katya will play point guard. While she is a good shooter, her strength is getting the ball to her teammates and putting them in a position to score. She has great court vision and is a smart basketball player.

Molly Thomas (22), freshman, 5-10, post, South Doyle High School (Knoxville): Long and athletic, Thomas can run like a guard. She is good at making reads on passes to pick up easy steals and finds a way to get the ball to the basket on offense.

Joanna Young (4), freshman, 5-4, guard, Cannon County High School (Woodbury): Young is one of the team’s quickest players. Already an excellent defender, Young is improving her consistency as a shooter. She is also a good rebounder and possesses a great deal of mental toughness.

View team schedule.