Team Preview
Written by: Matt Harris
As you would normally see with a brand new program, there were a lot of growing pains for the Watersprings Lady Warriors last season (formerly known as Calvary Chapel Christian School).
In their inaugural campaign as an officially recognized member of the IHSAA ended in a winless season. But head coach John Yadon, who doubles as the boys head coach at Watersprings, has already set the bar high for his team.
"High expectations is our motto," he said. "We want to improve daily."
Yadon talked about the importance of that improvement daily in association with the mission of their school in developing young people.
"Sports gives us a look at real life and our walk with Christ," he said. "It is rarely easy and not always fair, but if you work hard and persevere it will be rewarding. Learning at this young age helps prepare our young adults for the future. It also reveals character. When we know who we really are, we can make changes if necessary. If we can develop a great program for a very new and small high school, it makes it all worth it."
Watersprings will certainly have a lot more experience heading into this season. The Warriors lost only one player to graduation.
"Hope and Elizabeth Stauffer will be back on the guard line along with forwards Carly Hofland, Sage Rogers, and Destiny Darfler," Yadon said. "They all have experience on the court yet none of them are seniors."
Yadon also pointed to newcomer Taeya Dixon who, just as a freshman, could be the key to offense with her skill set.
"We have good athleticism this year," he said. "We hope to be able to make defenses have to work much harder."
One aspect of the game that his team has worked tirelessly on is ball handling, something that played a factor in every game last year.
"We turned the ball over more often than not last season," Yadon said. "We need to make huge improvements on that if we are going to compete."
Yadon also mentioned defensive rebounding as something in need of quick improvement heading into this season.
"Last year, it wasn't uncommon for us to give the opposing team 3 or 4 opportunities at putbacks," he said. "We have to get back on defense and be in position for those defensive rebounds."
With a new year and new expectations, the feeling at Watersprings is that the program is moving in a positive direction.
"Our ladies are so new to the game and we have so few numbers that any game we play is just an opportunity to improve and learn to compete," Yadon said. "They have a great attitude and work hard."
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