ALTAMONT — The Altamont Lady Indians were 28-7 last season, winning third place at the Class 1A State Final Tournament.
Head coach Craig Carr is entering his second season and has a career record of 28-7.
Carr talked about the forthcoming season below.
Outlook on the season
“We’ll have a lot of new kids on the floor at the varsity level, but they’re talented. Our seniors, who have been so good in the fall, will be great role models for those younger kids and show them how to be a varsity basketball player. The seniors understand the challenges that we have this year and are ready to attack those challenges. We’re going to have to find baskets, scoring, but I think we can get that done, especially through the leadership of the seniors. They’re going to make sure people get in the right place. Practice-wise, the seniors lead by example and also with their voices. I couldn’t be more pleased with them. I’d be a lot more anxious if I didn’t have these three seniors who provided us with such a solid foundation for our varsity group. That said, some kids will have to grow up fast, simple as that. Our schedule has gotten tougher. We will have to be able to take punches and deliver counter-punches back. This summer, the girls said that one of the themes they wanted for this year was to fight, and I think that’s a good idea. We’re going to have to.”
Feelings before the new season begins
“I’m excited, mainly because this is such a good group of young ladies. We have 23 kids in the program. I feel very fortunate about that. I have two great assistant coaches. We are having a freshman-and-sophomore practice this year, which will greatly benefit our program and our younger kids. The future is bright here in Altamont. I’m really lucky to be around this group every day. They are such a solid group of young people and we are really lucky to be here and be around these girls.”
Returners
“Kaylee Lurkins was playing her best at the end of the season last year. She was a huge factor in our postseason, as she was an inside threat and someone who could guard. She loves basketball. She played all spring and summer and she’s in great shape. She is a great vocal leader on the floor, our best talker and knows how to play basketball. She’s going to have a fantastic season. Kylie Osteen was a huge part of our defensive efforts last year. There’s going to be a lot more expected out of her. She will have the ball in her hands a lot this year, but she’s capable of that. She leads by example and is very committed to the success of our group. She’s willing to do whatever we need. Based on our conversations, Kylie has put a lot of thought into this season. She’s a coach on the floor. Another great talker and knows where everybody is supposed to be. We’re fortunate to have those two coming back. Libby Reardon missed some of last year but returned at season’s end. It was like an acquisition at the trade deadline. She’s such a defensive spark for us, a tough kid, and we need that toughness. Libby will, a lot of times this year, take responsibility for the other team’s biggest threat. She keeps everything loose, is a super kid, and a fighter.”
Newcomers
“We have a really nice group of junior varsity kids. Kids that played junior varsity last year. They’re going to have to grow up quickly. They played with the varsity this summer. Avery Aldrich is a taller, longer kid with some touch from the midrange. Justyce Higgs is a potential scorer from all spots on the floor at all times. Ella Nelson is one of our better shooters and knows what to do with the ball when it’s in her hands. Emma Sphar is a very capable shooter. Alannah Pospischel is very committed and has been one of our most loyal team members. She’s a great leader for somebody who comes off the bench. Spike Pearcy is a younger kid who is another one of our tougher kids. She never backs down from a challenge. Those kids are all people that are getting thrown right into the fire. They’re going to have to do their best and respond to what happens in a positive way.”