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By Elizabeth Tanner
Following a tough 2019 season, the Lady Lopes pulled ahead a mere three points to secure a season opening win against Coahoma on Tuesday.
And, with only six returning players hitting the court this year, newly appointed head coach Jamie Jenkins says he hopes to improve the ladies playing abilities despite their fresh lineup which includes only two seniors.
“Last year, we were a very young and inexperienced team,” Jenkins said. “We are a year older now, but still very fresh. We are looking for overall improvement this season.”
Pulling ahead through one-point shots, Jenkins says the girls’ confidence at the free throw line was their biggest offensive asset in the Lady Lopes’ slim win against Coahoma.
“Offensively, we were good at hitting free throws when it counted down the stretch of the game,” Jenkins said. “We shot at 70-percent from the free throw line.”
Also aiding the Lady Lopes was a quick defense which kept Coahoma on edge.
“Our greatest defensive strength is our quickness,” Jenkins said. “Because we are a very small team, it’s something we have to have.”
This being Jenkins’ first year taking over for previous head coach Keith Bloskas, who coached the Varsity Lady Lopes four years, Jenkins says he hopes to build on Bloskas’ coaching tactics.
“This is my first year taking over for Bloskas,” Jenkins said. “I want to build on what he was doing – he did a great job. We plan to build on what we learned last year and get better as the season goes on.”
Leading scorer Jaylen Pittman nabbed 13 points followed by Leah Moreno with 11, Jacki Sanchez and Marti Cruse with nine each and Briley Miller and Leah Moreno with seven each.
Pittman also chipped in three assists and three steals followed by Miller with four steals and Laci Gonzales with three steals.
Next, the Lady Lopes challenge Ralls at 6:15 p.m., Dec. 1 in the Antelope Arena.
