The Carson City-Crystal girls basketball team is poised to return to the varsity level after a year-long hiatus due to low player participation. Under the leadership of new head coach Deo Winsor, the team is focused on restarting the program and fostering a positive environment among its predominantly underclassmen roster.
Renewed Energy and Expectations
Having canceled the varsity season last year, the Eagles are excited to make their comeback. “They enjoy playing basketball, which is a good thing,” Winsor said during practice. “The challenge is that they lack experience, with six freshmen on the team.” Despite this hurdle, he remains optimistic, noting that the players maintain good attitudes and work hard.
Senior captain Cailyn Zemla echoed this sentiment, expressing her enthusiasm: “We just want to try and improve the program a lot this year.” Winsor’s extensive coaching background includes ten years at the junior high level and recent experience with the seventh-grade girls team. His transition to varsity coaching was motivated by a desire to provide stability for the girls, especially after witnessing the struggles of the program previously.
Building a Foundation with Young Talent
Winsor acknowledges that the lack of experience will be a significant challenge this season. “They don’t realize what’s going to come out,” he said. “We have to maintain a certain intensity in our drills to prepare for the games ahead.” Zemla also recognized the adjustment required, especially when facing older opponents, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for the competition.
Despite the challenges, the Eagles are not starting from scratch. The team retains four players from last year’s junior varsity squad, which Winsor believes will provide some foundational experience. “Having returning players is definitely a benefit,” he stated. “They are the leaders of this group and have been instrumental in guiding the freshmen.” Zemla aims to foster an atmosphere of support and trust, encouraging her teammates to reach out whenever they need assistance.
Winsor has high expectations for the team’s growth, stating, “I expect to see improvement throughout the season.” He has implemented drills focused on skill development, and the players are already showing progress in scoring and teamwork. “We are resetting a program, and it is essential that we focus on building that team atmosphere,” he added.
As the season unfolds, the Eagles are eager to embrace the journey ahead. While they may face early challenges, the team is motivated to cultivate a positive experience and hopes to secure a few wins along the way. “I think we’re all really nervous, which is to be expected,” Zemla said, “but we’re also really excited and want to do some good things for us this year.”
Ultimately, Winsor believes that the emphasis on teamwork and cohesion will be vital for the Eagles. “I came from a really good program where everyone got along,” he noted. “That will be our greatest strength moving forward.” With their first games scheduled, the Carson City-Crystal girls basketball team is ready to take the court and showcase their commitment to rebuilding a successful program.
