Lady Demons optimistic heading into 2015

By Wade Holland

Publisher

Returning mainly intact from a year ago when the program enjoyed success it has not experienced in decades - if ever - there is good reason for great optimism coming into the 2015-16 basketball season for the Williamstown Lady Demons.

Williamstown won 14 games last season, the most on record for the Lady Demons with the Kentucky High School Athletic Association since it began keeping such records on its scoreboard in the late 1990s, and finished above .500 for the only time on record during that same span.

The Lady Demons also won nine times against regional opponents a year ago, going 9-7 overall, while scoring a total of 1,537 points, an average of

56.9 per game, all team highs since the KHSAA scoreboard's inception.

Returning from that squad are at least 11 players with varsity experience, including six who started at various times last season. All are a year older, stronger, and smarter, giving Head Coach Kasey Mason more weapons to work with than she's accustomed to.

WHS Lady Demons have talent

to reach lofty goals in 2015/16

Katie Cheek drives past a Walton-Verona defender during last season's district tournament. Cheek teams with fellow senior Rachel Montgomery to give Williamstown one of the strongest senior classes in the 8th Region. (Photo by Wade Holland)

Senior duo of Cheek, Montgomery headline

one of region's most

experienced lineups

"This will be the strongest team we've had at Williamstown since I've been here," she said. "It will be the first complete top-to-bottom team that has completely bought into the winning mentality.

"The girls have improved both individually and also as a team (since last season)," added Mason. "Overall, we have a group that has a strong work ethic. They are 'basketball players' not just a group of girls who have picked it up as something to do. The majority of them have spent the last several months working towards our goals for this season."

Headlining the show for the Lady Demons will be two of the region's best, seniors Katie Cheek and Rachel Montgomery. Both have been members of the varsity since middle school and have played major roles in the program's rise. And while their names are common among the statistical leaders for the Lady Demons, their worth to the program is much greater than numbers.

"One of our biggest strengths is our leadership from our seniors," commented Mason, "This will by far be the best leadership our team has seen since I started coaching at Williamstown.

"Katie and Rachel being seniors is very bittersweet for me," added Mason. "I have been a part of their basketball careers since they were in 4th grade. They have endured a lot of trials, and been a huge factor in re-shaping Williamstown girls basketball. They're the epitome of leadership, and their character is a direct reflection of what I want this program to be about.

"The team functions off of their leadership. While Rachel is more assertive and verbal in her role, Katie is a leader by example, and her quiet nature makes her actions speak volumes," Mason continued. "This is by far the strongest senior class I've had. Mainly because they both know and understand that it's not about one person, that they need each other in order to be successful. They aren't the type of girls who are demanding because they're seniors, they're demanding because they want the team to do well, and there's a huge difference in that."

While the seniors get a lot of attention, the junior class will spend a lot of time in the spotlight as well. Point guard Michaela Kennedy is another of the region's best and spent a majority of last season ranked among the state's top 3-point shooters.

Junior forward Olivia Souder was a leader in the rebounding department a year ago and will be counted on to do the same this year while playing a bigger role offensively. Sydney Taylor was also a leader inside and was able to change games with her shot-blocking ability.

Fellow juniors Jenna Johnson, Emily Ison and Lynzie Cheek were important contributors a year ago and are expected to play even bigger roles this season after very productive off-seasons.

Haley Howe and Megan Perkins represent a strong sophomore class that will be counted on heavily, while talented freshman Justice Chambers has the skills to emerge as a leader for the Lady Demons.

It is also very likely that a player or two from the middle school ranks could break into the rotation and get valuable minutes with the Lady Demons.

While some spots in the starting lineup are secured, there

Williamstown senior Rachel Montgomery puts up a shot over Grant Co. in action last season. Montgomey is the Lady Demons most experienced player .

(Photo by Wade Holland)

is no definitive starting five going into the season and who is on the floor for the opening tip could change multiple times during the season, according to Mason, who praises her team's depth as a factor in that.

"We have more depth this year than in years past, and with that we will be able to match up pretty well with a lot of the teams we are playing," she said. "We can change line ups depending on size, speed, etc. and I feel like this could be a challenge for teams trying to match up with us as well."

No matter how you line them up, the goal is the same, and success is expected. Not just from the fans, but also from within the program. That is why Mason and the Lady Demons have set lofty goals for themselves. One of the first test will be in early January in the All A Classic where the Lady Demons have set their sights on the regional championship and a place at state.

"Winning tournaments like the All A depends on getting the little things done, and being ready to compete from the jump," said Mason. "This goes back to us practicing at a high intensity level and to a high standard daily. One of my favorite MJ quotes on work ethic is.."there are no shortcuts. When it comes to practices you can't turn it off and on like a faucet..." The girls have this hanging in their lockers. They know our work towards this season started a long while ago in the spring. They just have to continue leaving the water running."

While the All A is high on the list, the ultimate goal will be to finish strong in February and advance from the district tournament into regional play. With the talent in place to accomplish this, the key to making it a reality is to stay focused, stay strong, and continue to work hard, according to Mason.

"Daily commitment- we use the term Kaizen- which means daily improvement," she said on what it's going to take to reach their goals. "Everyone knowing, understanding, and earning their role on the team and performing within themselves. Having confidence. Keeping the "WE" mentality and getting rid of any personal agendas. Competing at the highest level at all times in practices and games. And listening to and respecting all coaches and each other."