By Jordan Burton
Most experts believe it takes at least three seasons in order to turn around a program and entering Year Three at Central, Caitlin Russell is hoping that the proof will be in the pudding.
The Lady Bulldogs have increased their win total in each of Russell’s first two seasons and with four starters and seven letter-winners returning, that could again be the case this winter.
Changing the culture of a program that has fallen on tough times continues to be the goal for Russell.
“Over the past couple of years I have seen these girls become better and better as basketball players, students, and young ladies,” said Russell. “Their mindset has been very positive and they have become better competitors on the court. We are going to have to continue this and keep getting girls to join the program to see that they can really make a change through hard work and dedication.”
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That dedication will be even more imperative this season as Central will be without Jaslyn Williams for the first time under Russell.
The standout guard led the team in scoring and steals in each of the last two seasons and was the catalyst for Russell’s system at both ends of the floor.
“There is no replacing Jaslyn Williams,” said Russell. “She was one of the most decorated athletes that has walked through this building and stepped out on the court. Jaslyn was not only fast, but could handle the ball, attack the basket, shoot the 3, had a great jumper, and was a force on the defensive end. She was everything you wanted in a basketball player. I wish we had her for another four years.”
While there is no replacing her presence on the floor, Central will bring back nearly its entire rotation aside from her, led by sophomore guard Dasia Pence.
Pence could be in the same mold as Williams in terms of impact.
As a freshman, Pence led the Lady Bulldogs with 52 assists and also finished second to only Williams in scoring (9 PPG) and steals.
Pence is also the team’s returning leader in 3-point FGs (35).
“Dasia is only a sophomore this season, but will be expected to handle a lot for her team,” says Russell. “The girls really look to her as a leader and will continue to be looked upon as a leader this year. She is a great guard who is only going to get better. Expect her scoring to go up, her minutes to stay high, and her defense to get better.”
Heather Cornman (4.8 PPG, 5.2 RPG) was the team’s leading rebound last year and the 5-foot-9 junior will look to anchor the post. She will be flanked by senior Claire Vienhage.
Sophomore post Sakira Jones will try to use her size and length (6-foot) to make an even bigger impact this season.
Joining Pence in the backcourt will be classmate Parker Heman.
The 5-foot-8 guard earned varsity minutes as a freshman due to her grittiness.
In what will be Central’s final season playing as an independent before joining the Ozark Conference, Russell is hoping her team will continue to build on its fundamental base.
“In order for our team to reach expectations this season we are really going to have to focus on fundamentals and details,” said Russell. “Our varsity squad might not have the depth so we are going to have to really work on small, small details of the game in order to be successful.”
