Winter came on like a fast break and means we're that much closer to everything that the hardwood will include! Every season has it's own flavor but with new additions to the local scene & significant turnover from last year to this one the 2022/2023 season will be a ride all it's own.
In preparation for the first games this edition comes courtesy of coach D.C. Lucas talking about Northern Cass girls hoops.
Before looking ahead, what are the best memories from last season?
"The best memory from last year would be competing in the Regional Finals for Region 1, the team put on a 10-game winning streak going into the playoffs and used that momentum to get to the finals."
Did your team participate in any camps this past Summer? If so, how did your team benefit from that? Did any players surprise you with what they showed during the workouts?
"The Lady Jags had a busy summer, we started the summer taking our JV/Varsity to the VCSU Camp, we then went to a 3-day team camp at Mayville State and played some great teams. We ended the summer going to the Point Guard Elite Camp in Wisconsin, focused on skill development."
Have you already had players in the gym working on their game this Fall?
"With the success of our volleyball team winning the Class B title, a lot of our returning varsity players are just getting back in the gym. The first week gives the coaching staff a chance to evaluate some of the young players coming up."
Halle Crockett returns as one of the top players in the region, how have you seen her improve? How might she continue to progress?
"Halle had a great summer, every year we ask her to expand her role on the floor. She is one of the most well-rounded players in the state, we can play her at point guard, shooting guard or post. As a coaching staff we have seen her grow in all phases, I really saw an improvement on the defensive side of the ball this summer. I’m excited for her going into her senior season."
Who are some of the players you anticipate will help fill-in for the ones that departed? What do they bring to the roster?
"With 4 seniors graduating we will lean heavily on our junior class, Josie Jensen and Ellie Lucas will provide the size and speed we need, Kayla Tretter and Addy Rust will provide great production at our guard position. Haidyn Crockett will return as our point guard and floor general, and we will add some guard and post depth with Tess Jalbert and Addy Winterquist."
Is there a certain aspect of the game that you think will be the strength of your team?
"The size and quickness of the Lady Jaguars will be key this season, as we return a nice mix of quickness and length that will give us a balanced attack. We had a good off-season, working on better defense, offense control and rebounding."
To boil it down, what would make the upcoming season a successful one?
"For us, we just need to continue to improve every practice and every game, we will be successful if we can enter the regional tourney playing our best basketball, this team has an amazing returning culture and excited for the season to start."
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