Continuity A Plus For Lady Cougars
November 7, 2016 at 5:06 p.m.
Continuity A Plus For Lady Cougars
By Mark [email protected]
While key leaders Hannah Delp, Rachel Sand and Carissa Urschalitz have graduated, having the same head coach in place for a second season will help. Last season Allison Kauffman was the fourth head coach at LCA in as many years.
“Continuity has definitely helped going into this season,” the former Grace College standout said. “I know the girls and they know my expectations, so we have been able to jump in and start without having to figure each other out.
“The base of relationships and trust are already built, so we can focus on what we need to for the season.”
It’s also easier for the players this season; they spend more time doing and less time learning.
“This year our team already has more chemistry than we did last season,” Kauffman said. “The girls have really bonded together and have been willing to put the work in. I believe we will be better defensively as we play better together as a team and have more quickness up front.”
This year’s edition of the Lady Cougars features Melissa Goss in a leadership role. Last season she averaged just under six points a game, but also pulled down five rebounds, dished out three assists and blocked at least one shot per contest.
The junior class will also need to step up for the Lady Cougars. Brady Gross has varsity experience, with just under three points and just over four rebounds a game last season. Heather Plastow and Jess Slone will also be counted on to pick up productive minutes. Sophomores Abigail Fishel, Maddie Paris and Anna Reimink bring some varsity experience with her into the new season.
With the continuity and standards, there may be a new definition for success at Lakeland Christian.
“I define success for my girls as knowing at the end of a practice, game, or season that you gave 100 percent of your effort; not for yourself, but something bigger,” Kauffman said.
“That defines success for us, but we also have set some goals including having a winning season, which has been a rarity recently for LCA girls basketball. We also would like to get our first sectional win in LCA history.”
While the Lady Cougars aren’t likely to make Sportscenter-style highlights, Kauffman sees the sum being greater than the parts.
“I think this team will be exciting to watch this season. Not because we have a superstar that makes big fancy plays, but because this team will play hard and play as a unit,” she said. “They are encouraging and energetic and bring the team play that is so important on the floor. They have been locking down on the defensive end, and I definitely think this team has a lot of potential to compete.”
The Lady Cougars open their season with four straight games on the road, and six of thier first seven contests are away from home. The first one is Tuesday at Cornerstone Christian in Fort Wayne.
While key leaders Hannah Delp, Rachel Sand and Carissa Urschalitz have graduated, having the same head coach in place for a second season will help. Last season Allison Kauffman was the fourth head coach at LCA in as many years.
“Continuity has definitely helped going into this season,” the former Grace College standout said. “I know the girls and they know my expectations, so we have been able to jump in and start without having to figure each other out.
“The base of relationships and trust are already built, so we can focus on what we need to for the season.”
It’s also easier for the players this season; they spend more time doing and less time learning.
“This year our team already has more chemistry than we did last season,” Kauffman said. “The girls have really bonded together and have been willing to put the work in. I believe we will be better defensively as we play better together as a team and have more quickness up front.”
This year’s edition of the Lady Cougars features Melissa Goss in a leadership role. Last season she averaged just under six points a game, but also pulled down five rebounds, dished out three assists and blocked at least one shot per contest.
The junior class will also need to step up for the Lady Cougars. Brady Gross has varsity experience, with just under three points and just over four rebounds a game last season. Heather Plastow and Jess Slone will also be counted on to pick up productive minutes. Sophomores Abigail Fishel, Maddie Paris and Anna Reimink bring some varsity experience with her into the new season.
With the continuity and standards, there may be a new definition for success at Lakeland Christian.
“I define success for my girls as knowing at the end of a practice, game, or season that you gave 100 percent of your effort; not for yourself, but something bigger,” Kauffman said.
“That defines success for us, but we also have set some goals including having a winning season, which has been a rarity recently for LCA girls basketball. We also would like to get our first sectional win in LCA history.”
While the Lady Cougars aren’t likely to make Sportscenter-style highlights, Kauffman sees the sum being greater than the parts.
“I think this team will be exciting to watch this season. Not because we have a superstar that makes big fancy plays, but because this team will play hard and play as a unit,” she said. “They are encouraging and energetic and bring the team play that is so important on the floor. They have been locking down on the defensive end, and I definitely think this team has a lot of potential to compete.”
The Lady Cougars open their season with four straight games on the road, and six of thier first seven contests are away from home. The first one is Tuesday at Cornerstone Christian in Fort Wayne.
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