Last year’s Oxford Varsity Girls? Basketball Team did well, posting a 13-3 Flint Metro League record and going 15-7 overall. They also finished second in the FML and won their first-round district game 35-33 in overtime against Clarkston.
Head Coach Al Poynter hopes the girls can build on their success and take things further this season.
This year’s team has lost three players from last year while getting several new players.
Gone from last year’s squad are forward/center Amanda Teller and guards/forwards Kelsey Oliver and Lauren Comerford.
Returning to this year’s team are many seniors: captains Joelle Harms and Brooke Bocquet along with Le’essa Collier, Jessica Raisch, Cassi Archer and Hannah George. Also returning are junior captain Allie Laidlaw along with Emily Brooks.
New are senior Demira King and several juniors: Megan Tilley, Susan Reynolds, Rikki Jarvis, Kara Charles, Emily Holland and Taylor Medel.?
Poynter sees this large group as one with a lot to offer. They have fundamental skills at both ends, athleticism, depth off the bench, experience and flexibility. ‘Many players are able to play multiple positions,? he explained.
While the team is athletic and has good ‘length? across the board, the coach feels their lack of height is a concern. They will also have to focus on blending the newcomers with returning players.
The season began last night with a home game against Lake Orion, which the Cats lost 66-52. Thursday night (Dec. 4) they play on the road at Troy at 7 p.m. Then, the team opens up FML play Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. at Clio.
Poynter sees teams like Lake Orion, Fenton, Clio and Brandon as the toughest opponents. The girls will have to be ready to play, he said.
‘Every day, they have to stay mentally focused,? he added. ‘Think of the team first, and come together as a team and stay positive. If we do those things, we have just about everything else necessary to have an outstanding, and potentially special, season.?