The Whiteoak Lady Wildcats varsity basketball team will open their regular season on November 25 when they host the Lady Astros of East Clinton High School.
The Lady Wildcats will be coached by Steve Smith who returns to the program for a 14th season after an eight year layoff since the 2009-2010 season.
The Lady Wildcats will be represented by nine players this year including two seniors.
Smith is happy to be back in charge of the program after watching it struggle from a distance for the past eight seasons.
“I’m glad to be back. The numbers are way down and the program has been down for four or five years, just can’t get girls to come out and play,” said Smith.
“We have nine girls that are all good kids and good athletes. They a lacking in basketball because some of them have never played basketball,” Smith said.
Smith expects two of his returning players, Megan Botts and Cylee Bratton to lead this team this season.
“Megan is going to be the leader along with Cylee, they will be the two leaders for the team,” said Smith.
Coach Smith is determined to instill a winning attitude into the Lady Wildcats and said, “The girls need to learn that they can win, they are not just playing to be playing. If they play hard we have a chance to win ball games.”
Smith has been attending Whiteoak Lady Wildcats basketball games consistently during his time away from the sideline and he thinks that will give him a leg up when it comes to rebuilding the program.
Smith said, “Attending games in the past has helped me to know a little about some of the girls that I have. I watched them last year and I have an idea of what they are capable of.”
Smith hopes to improve the team this season and said, “I think with a little more organization and work we can beat some of the teams on our schedule this year.”
Reach Ryan Applegate at 937-402-2572, or on Twitter @RCApplegate89.
