Experience at several key positions is expected to guide the Lehman Lady Lobos basketball team as they navigate through the 2018 season.
Even with a recent change in leadership, new head coach Brad Taylor believes the team could be a contender in a tough 25-6A district.
Coach Brad Taylor said the Lobos also have several players that could provide a “spark” off of the bench as well.
“I think it’s wide open. It’s anyone’s (district) to win,” Taylor said. “If we work on things we’re struggling with, we have a chance to make some noise in district this year.”
Taylor, who had worked as an assistant in the program, assumed the role of head coach Nov. 1 after James Halatin stepped down due to family obligations.
Taylor lauded Halatin’s strategies and how he implemented successful ideologies that helped the program succeed.
“He already laid down a great foundation for them. It was a matter of me tweaking a few things and continuing to push them and get better,” Taylor said.
Leading the way for Lehman will be sophomore point guard Kayla Presley, along with junior guards Alyssa Saucedo and junior forward Apaisa Youngbird. They are part of a team that consists of mostly juniors and sophomores.
Taylor said the Lobos also have several players that could provide a “spark” off of the bench as well. For Taylor, a high-tempo offense, while also playing sound defense is what he aims to install in the program.
That game plan played a role in the team’s 61-21 season opening win over Austin LBJ Nov. 2.
While Taylor said the team played well, he hopes to shore up their defensive awareness and communication, as well as improving their free-throw shooting.
“That right there, playing against a better team, it could make us lose the game,” Taylor said. “That’s one thing we are going to have to get better at is free-throw shooting.”
Lehman travels to play at the Bowie Tournament this weekend. The Lobos host Georgetown Nov 26.
