Mills and Goodson continue to take Independence to new heights

Having two prolific scorers on the same team can either be a blessing or a curse.

Fortunately for Independence girls basketball head coach Mark Cuthbert, chemistry has never been an issue between Harmony Mills and Lacey Goodson.

"They are real good buddies and they played together at the middle school, so that really helps," Cuthbert said. "Sometimes they are selfish to a fault, but they want each other to do good. They want the team to do good. They would rather us win as opposed to them having a good night."

The time together has definitely been a contributing factor in the success for the dynamic duo.

"I love playing with Lacey. I feel like we communicate really well," Mills said. "We have played together since elementary school at Sophia-Soak Creek and then at Ridgeview Elementary. We have known each other since we were young."

Time, however, hasn't been the only contributing factor. The personalities for the two standouts are like fire and ice, but still provide a perfect compliment to each other.

"Harmony is a little more outgoing, while Lacey is more of a quiet assassin in the floor," Cuthbert said. "They both have worked all the years. In the summer, they haven't missed. That is impressive, especially being the "best players on the team", they still show up and work."

Mills shed some light on the work ethic that drives her to be better and hopefully make the team better as well.

"I just feel like I have to get it done. If I start something, I have to finish it," Mills said. "Me putting time into this team is what I am suppose to do."

While Goodson may seem to be more quiet, Mills put Goodson in a different light from her perspective.

"She is quiet, but once you get to know her, she is just like me," Mills said, smiling. "I'm just a little more open at first."

Mills exploded on the high school scene averaging 18 points per game along with five rebounds. When Goodson arrived as a freshman a year later, Mills still continued to impress averaging nearly a double-double with 16 points and nine rebounds.

Last year, Mills was back up to 18 points per game, along with six rebounds.

"Harmony is the all-time leading scorer at Independence as I know," Cuthbert said. "She has scored over 1,000 points in three years and started all but two games due to injury. Harmony has been our leader since she was a freshman."

Goodson talked her about what has made Mills such a solid basketball player.

"She can really play anywhere which is awesome," Goodson said about Mills. "She can dribble and shoot from the outside. She can go inside post up and she passes really well. It's really great having a person that can do everything."

Goodson's impact on the court was immediate as well averaging 18 points and seven rebounds as a freshman. She backed up her rookie season with 17 points and nine rebounds a year ago.

In Goodson's case, however, there was a time where a basketball career almost took a backseat and might have never happened.

With part of her family being the highly successful Hart's of Patriots wrestling fame, hitting the mat also crossed her mind.

"I wish I would have now looking back," Goodson said, with a grin. "I remember asking my mom when I was younger, but she wouldn't let me. It looks like fun."

While it is hard to tell where a wrestling career would have taken Goodson, basketball has clearly been a solid choice.

"She can drive the basket really well," Mills said about her teammate. "She can get by anybody that guards her and once she get past them, she will make the shot."

The talent both players possess has naturally led to transfer speculation throughout their career. Goodson explained her reasoning for staying in Coal City.

"I love this school. Going to a new school seems rough to me," Goodson said. "I am the type of person that kind of stays to themself and stays quiet. I also love my teammates and I think we can take this program somewhere if we just work hard."

Like many coaches these days, Cuthbert has had to endure the rumors and transfer discussion. Needless to say, he is thrilled his two best players have stayed together.

"I would like to say the reason they stay is me," Cuthbert said, laughing. "They are just dedicated to the area and they are comfortable around here. We are really fortunate to have them here. They have been our two captains for the last two years. Hopefully that is the reason they are staying."

Independence was 19-4 two years ago and earned a first-round postseason win last season. The last two years were played in Class AAA. This year the Patriots make the move back to Class AA and Cuthbert hopes more success will follow.

"I think it benefits us playing schools more our size. When you are playing teams like Greenbrier East and Princeton with (the enrollment that) we have as a school, there is not much hope," Cuthbert said. "Going to AA gives you a chance, but you are still sitting there with Wyoming East and James Monroe who both made the state tournament last year. The prize is more in sight at AA than what we had at AAA."