By Kristi McDevitt
Sports Writer
After talking with Oxford’s new varsity girl’s basketball coach, one word came to mind: confidence.
The Ladycats are coming off a disappointing 2004 season where they finished with only 3 wins and 18 losses. But, under the guidance of their new coach, Oxford cagers are ready to take on the 2005 season with a renewed sense of confidence, and a bit of vengeance.
Behind the wheel of Oxford’s program sits new head coach Al Poynter. Poynter is heading into his fourth year at OHS as an American Studies and Civics teacher. He had been an assistant coach at different colleges and universities before settling into a high school career. He was an educator and boy’s varsity basketball coach at Berkeley High before being hired by Oxford in 2002. Poynter was the varsity boys? assistant at Troy High.
Leading the team on and off the court this season are the three senior captains, Mykala Salquist, Ashley Seeling, and Nicole Esman. Poynter has been pleased with the performance of his captains and likes that each brings a little something different to the court, noting Esman’s great attitude, Seeling’s continued improvement, and Salquist’s heart and drive on the court.
As with any sport, fundamentals have been a big focus for the team, as well as learning the new offensive strategy their coach has introduced. Poynter has been very happy with his team’s commitment and improvement throughout the summer and is looking forward to their first competition as their schedule is set to start.
Oxford has eight returning players, but of those eight, Salquist was the only starter last season. Obviously in a rebuilding phase, Poynter is very confident in his team’s abilities and athleticism. Standing at 6 feet tall, Mykala Salquist will be anchoring the Ladycats in the center position, while Ashley Seeling will be battling for buckets and offensive and defensive rebounds as a forward, but Poynter is still undecided on the three remaining positions on the court. ‘In all honesty, I have 5 or 6 girls battling for three positions,? he said.
Poynter is confident in his bench and the flexibilities they hold, offering him many different options to explore. Oxford’s depth on the bench gives the team an advantage over opponents, especially in Poynter’s defense of choice: the exhausting man-to-man coverage. Oxford’s availability of able fresh bodies on the bench means the refreshed Ladycats can run their opponents up and down the court and into fatigue, all the while staying one step ahead of them. The Ladycats defense is all about being in their opponent’s face and in the passing lanes forcing turnovers.
As far as this season’s outlook for the Ladycats, Coach Poynter has no questions about whether or not his team will be competitive. Every aspect of his team is positive from their performance in the classroom, their energy and heart on the court, to the strong bond they have built as a team. ‘Let’s play well, let’s not worry about all this won and loss stuff, just play well consistently,? Poynter preaches daily to his team. ‘And if we play well consistently, then we are going to win our fair share of games.?