By Mary Granth Posted December 16, 2009
Lowry is looking forward to an amazing season for their Varsity girl’s basketball team. Five new additions have been made to the team: Angie Herrera, Madi Gonzalez, Jenae Neu, Emelia Legarza, and Betsy Gurrero. These previous JV players join the seven remaining Varsity players: Skylar Estes, Darrian Black, Rachelle Dennis, Julia Dufurrena, Courtney Hammond, Ashlee Lee, and Lynnsey Johnson.
Although the team only lost three seniors last year, they were vital to the team.
“Two of those seniors were All-State players,” said coach Jack Smith, “They’re going to be hard to replace. This pre-season will determine who’s best fitted to fill those shoes.”
Smith has brought up three sophomores, Herrera, Gurrero, and Gonzalez, to put a total of five sophomores on the team including Black and Duferrena who made the team as freshmen.
“They are five fundamentally sound sophomores,” said Smith, “They’re very swift and tie right into press [Defense].”
However, Smith is still looking to the older athletes to set an example.
“I expect some leadership out of them, especially my four seniors…Skylar, Lynnsey, Ashlee, and Courtney are going to be there for those five sophomores.”
Smith is encouraging team chemistry on a daily basis.
“As a basketball coach from day one you’re talking about bonding and chemistry. As far as team bonding, I’m preaching that every day,” said Smith.
The Lady Bucks had their first game of the season when they faced off against Lovelock. However, the biggest competition the team will be facing this year is Spring Creek.
Smith stated that Spring Creek will be Lowry’s greatest rival this year but, “a close second would be Truckee.”
The team is continuing to work hard each day and is trying to make progress from last year.
“The girls are really catching on. I’ve got players who have been with me a few years and they know the system,” said Smith.
The team’s main goals for this year are, “To improve every game so by the time league rolls around we’re in a cohesive unit… and get ourselves back in the championship game,” said Smith.
