AHOSKIE – Nine days into the season may be to early to hit the court, but area teams did just that Saturday at the News-Herald Media Day and Scrimmage.

Ridgecroft played host to varsity girl’s action featuring Hertford County, Bethel Assembly Christian Academy, Ahoskie Christian School, Bertie High, Northampton-West, Northeast Academy and Ridgecroft School.

The tournament gave teams the opportunity to take the floor against opponents they wouldn’t normally face.

The goal wasn’t to see which team would win, but to give players the chance to get some playing time and coaches an early look at their team in action.

Hertford County faced Ridgecroft in the first game of the day.

The Lady Bears showed improvement over last season, cutting to the basket, finding the open man and finishing the play.

The addition of Ashley Fountain, a transfer from Ahoskie Christian School, gives Hertford County another inside threat and the team may surprise some people in the conference this season.

Ridgecroft’s passing game was on display and the Lady Rams will have numerous offensive threats this season.

Jo Revelle Murray and

Stephanie Northcott had solid games and Sarah Beth Greene will provide leadership and experience to a team that made it to the Final Four the past two seasons.

In the second game of the day, Hertford County played Northeast Academy.

The Lady Eagles welcomed Jeannie Hargrave back to the court after the junior missed last season due to injury.

The Lady Eagles struggled early on the boards and while able to get open, had difficulty getting the shot to drop.

Junior London Harrell was a strong inside presence, fighting for rebounds and hitting shots in the paint.

With four seniors in the starting lineup, the Lady Eagles should have a strong season.

Ridgecroft played it’s second of two games against Ahoskie Christian.

Ahoskie Christian lost the school’s all-time leading scorer when Fountain transferred to HCHS, but the young team showed promise Saturday.

Led by Tori Conn, the Lady Warriors showed speed and were able to get back on defense quickly after making the shot.

Youth and inexperience will be this team’s biggest challenge with only one junior and one sophomore on the roster.

Bertie and Northampton-West faced off in Jessica Breland’s final season as a Lady Falcon.

Bertie has built a strong supporting cast around Breland as other players stepped up when Breland was under guard.

Bertie’s aggressive play and ability to find the open man should make them a strong conference contender.

Northampton-West showcased good ball movement, but had several miscommunications on the court that cost the Lady Canes possession.

While they played a physical game, missed opportunities under the basket may haunt West in the regular season.

Bethel and Lawrence played the final game of the day and will face each other in the regular season.

Coach Charlie Harden’s Lady Warriors squad showed improvement over last season.

Lawrence will be strong on the inside with the addition of sophomore Kendall Street.

Senior Kate Gillam was strong offensively and Jessie Harden got some good minutes in her first varsity outing.

The Lady Warriors had great ball movement, often drawing the defense to one side, freeing up a man for the open shot.

With four players missing due to a scheduling conflict, Bethel played with only five players, but they never quit, playing just as hard in the first minute as they did in the last.

Sophomore Mindy Miller and Junior Kayla Overton are both offensive threats and posted numerous boards.

With five returning players Bethel has experience and leadership on the floor that could take the Lady Eagles far this season.