Happy in defeat

It was a loss on the scoreboard but Cutter Morning Star coach Lee Scroggins considers last night's 6-point setback against Western Yell County a monumental victory.
Daughter Emilee saw her first action after surgery, hitting a 3-pointer late in the game. Scroggins said she only played about four minutes and is still limited in what she can do, physically.
But, "she got out there and played and now that just makes her want to play more," he said.
Scroggins said he will have to pick his sports to insert Emilee into games. Defensively, she's hampered by a lack of strength. She's also hurt by stomach pains when she plays for more than a few minutes at a time.
"I have to be real careful when I play her," said her dad. "She's not big enough and strong enough just yet. She can't rebound, can't be physical."
Emilee could be somewhat of a designated shooter. Unfortunately, her reputation might preceed her. After she hit the three against Western Yell, the opponents immediately went to a box-and-one.
Still, her debut in front of the home crowd made for a feel-good moment. Lee said the fans erupted when her 3-pointer swished through the net.
"They acted like it was a game-winning shot," he said.
There's still plenty of time for Emilee to hit that game winner. She's just a sophomore with, what looks like, plenty of basketball ahead of her. Hopefully, both Emilee and father/coach will continue to take it slow and easy.