High Expectations for Lady Highlanders

Coming off a successful season where the girls made it far in the state playoffs and proved many critics wrong, this year’s expectations are higher than ever, said varsity girls basketball head coach Clay Ward.

The girls ranked No. 1 in the city last season and made it to the final 16 in state playoffs. This year, Ward wants to see his team advance even farther in playoffs.

Ward said the team goal is to win the last game of the season no matter what.

“Defense wins championships,” Ward said.

The girls have been working very hard having had a good offseason, challenging each other every day and feel confident going into this season.

“Every time we step on the floor this upcoming season, we know everyone is coming after us, but we have no intention of backing down,” senior guard Alanis Candelaria said.

Ten to 12 players are expected to be on the team this season dividing to about nine underclassmen and three seniors. There will be four to five post players and eight to nine guards, Ward said.

There have been very few changes made to the program from last season because of so much success.

“(We) don’t really want to give them away,” Ward said. “We will see how the season plays out.”

Santa Fe is the new destination for the teams’ out of town tournament this season. In previous years they have gone to Lubbock for their tournaments.

Ward has high expectations and responsibilities for his returning varsity players.  He expects that they be mentors for new players just as they were once guided.

“They are expected to teach and model for the rest of the program,” Ward said.

Recent year’s success is due to the commitment/dedication the players have shown and the team concept Ward has laid out.

“The last four years are the result of the young women in this program buying into this philosophy of hard work and teamwork,” Ward said.

 

By: Luis Aguilera