By Dana Harding
In his first year as head coach of the Dora Lady Falcons, Wayne Jessen will be looking to rebuild a program that stumbled a bit in 2015-16 with a 12-13 record.
With 18 years of coaching experience and an overall record of 324-162, Jessen won’t find too many surprises.
Previously, the Lady Falcons enjoyed three-straight seasons of at least 17 wins, reaching the district final each time.
While Dora was knocked out of the district bracket in the first round by Fordland last season, things will look a bit different at the district level for the Lady Falcons.
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Dora was reclassified over the summer to Class 1, District 4 and could challenge for a title with the likes of Bakersfield, Bradleyville and Chadwick, among others.
Seniors Ashlynn Vanatter and Kelsey Strong lead a host of returning players and newcomers who will all compete for varsity minutes.
Juniors Desiree Downen, Kryslyn Colvin, Emma Berry and Tiffany McKee are joined by sophomores Keeli Land, Taylor Trail and Taylor Brege.
Colvin and Vanatter are Dora’s top returning scorers.
For Dora to be competitive, it will have to move quickly.
Jessen, Dora’s current softball coach, accepted the basketball position Aug. 31. Due to the compressed timeline, Jessen wasn’t able to run his new team through any workouts or pre-season scrimmages before the season’s first practice on Halloween.
While that puts the Lady Falcons at a bit of a disadvantage, Jessen welcomes the challenge.
“Learning our strengths and weaknesses will be on-the-job training during the first part of the season,” Jessen said. “The recipe for a strong finish to our season will be good work ethic and attitudes.”
Dora opens the season at home Nov. 21 against Lutie.
