With the first semester coming to a close, we can reflect back on the first stretch of games and the strides we have made. When I made the game schedule, I wanted to challenge this group by putting them up against tough opponents from the very start. We have went head to head in tournaments against tough Iowa and Missouri programs, went up against an undefeated Clarendon College team, and held our own against opponents that were highly ranked last season. With that being said, we have played majority of these games down to the wire. We have dropped four games by a single point, with one of those games being in double overtime. Even though I wish we could have been on the opposite side of those games, I still see it as a positive looking forward. As a team, we can now approach those tight games with confidence, knowing that we have been in those exact situations and executed in the final seconds. These type of games add a grittiness to the team, we will come back for conference hungry to be on the winning side.
As a group, we have finally found our sweet spot. A few changes to the roster and ware entering the second semester with a core group of players that have been working extremely hard since August. Each one of these women represent an important piece of the team, I will highlight on each one briefly. Shayla Golden and Brekayla (BK) Davis have been leading our team in scoring through the first semester, both sitting at 11 points per game. Shayla has been averaging a double-double for the last 3 weeks with her 10 rebounds per game as well. Both of these players bring so much more than scoring and rebounding to the team, they work extremely hard on the defensive end as well.
Tatiana (Tati) Ortiz has been leading her team at the point guard position and is growing each game. Tati is averaging 10 points per game and just over 4 assists, I see her getting more comfortable in her role and being a big asset for us as we get into conference play.
Kintaeja (Tae) Ling, Jada Williams, and Kaylan Larry are key players that I lean upon heavily, all three scoring close to double digits per game. Tae is an elite shooter that I have been pushing to expand her game and she has delivered, now being a great slasher and finisher at the rim. Jada is my best defender and is asked to guard the opponent's top player each game, she is extremely coachable and is a versatile scorer. Kaylan has had to miss a few games within the last few weeks, we have missed her experience as a sophomore on the floor, but look forward to getting her back at full-strength next semester.
Stephanie Almodovar is one of the toughest kids I have coached, she has battled through a number of injuries this semester and has always found a way to get back on the court and contribute. Steph is a knock down shooter, I can't wait to see what she can do when she is 100% healthy.
Jukarra Greenlee is my go-to when we need defensive stops, she gets her hands on the ball and is able to run the floor and score at a high level in transition. Mykiland French and Madison Myers are both good "glue" players that do a little bit of everything. Both are good defenders, can knock down shots, and are very coachable.
Ja'Teija (JT) Brown and Kiarra (Ki) Guzman play the post position for us, they both bring different skills to the team. JT can stretch the defense by hitting long jump shots, but can also seal and score at the rim. Kiarra is growing each game with her shot blocking ability and will give us that length we need inside.
Lastly, we will be adding another player to the roster next semester, as we have Kennedy Moss getting cleared to play. Kennedy is a sharp shooter with range and has a great understanding of the game, I am excited to see her on the floor.
I am looking forward to the competition we will face in the second semester, conference is always tough and I know this group is up for the challenge. Let's get back to work, By Any Means!
-Coach Alexander