The Lady Rebel coach announced to his team last Monday that he is stepping down as coach when the season ended.

The Lady Rebels lost 56-51 in the first round of the Region 6AA tournament at Chester County last Thursday night, ending Ridley's tenure with the team.

"I leave with mixed emotions, but it's time; this is something I didn't want to continue to do anymore," said Ridley, who guided MHS for five seasons. "It was a good run, but I also think it's someone else's time."

Ridley led McKenzie to its first post-regional appearance since the 1960s when the Lady Rebels reached substate last season. In five seasons, Ridley posted a 78-54 mark, including a school-record 19-10 worksheet a year ago.

"Substate was fun last year and Stacy Holancin's year, when we beat Chester County and Bolivar and McNairy," Ridley said. "That year is the year we started earning our stripes; I'll always remember those times."

Ridley also doubled as the McKenzie boys' assistant coach. MHS boys' coach Larry Joe Smith, who served as Ridley's assistant with the girls, says he'll miss his colleague.

"We got along great and he was good to bounce things off of," said Smith. "The sad thing is that we're losing a good basketball coach. He took the girls program and moved it up a notch."

Ridley said he will continue to coach the MHS tennis teams.

"It's just that this (girls' basketball) job takes the life out of you and your family," he said. "I love this school system and I love the administration. The administration has backed me on multiple occasions. But your family life really takes a beating."

Ridley said he had nothing but affection for his players, past and present, and that the new coach will be guiding a treasure trove of youthful talent.

"We have four girls who have started at some point coming back," said Ridley. "What else can you ask for?

"I'm leaving on my own terms and that's what I wanted to do."
Said Smith: "Dan's shoes will be harder to fill than most think."

No immediate candidates have been mentioned to fill the vacancy left by Ridley.

 Senior Brooke Pritchard nailed four consecutive shots from three-point range in the second period while senior Ashlee Lockhart nailed one three-pointer in each of the first two periods of play. The Lady War Eagles struggled offensively and were unable to counter the speed and quickness of the Fillies throughout the game. Turnovers were a major concern for West Carroll early and continued to plaque them as the game progressed.

The first quarter, the Fillies took a 13-4 advantage while they improved their margin to 34-12 at intermission. The third period, Huntingdon improved the margin to 40-19 and ultimately won the game 61-29.

Fouls were not a major problem for either team. The Fillies were a perfect 11 of 11 while the Lady War Eagles were nine of 13. Pritchard led the Fillies with 14, followed by Jessica Hilliard with 12, Sharri Smith with 11, Waneca Melton with 10, Lockhart and Crystal Fuller with six each and Payten Butler with two.

Rachel Arnold led the Lady War Eagles with 20, followed by April Gilliam with six, Jessica Murphy with two and Debra Anders with one.