WP District Champs Return

WAITSBURG -- The WP Lady Cardinals have been rubbing their shin splints and massaging sore muscles after the team's first week of practice.

Coming off a District title from the 2011 season, these girls are all excited for what the future may hold for them.

Head coach Jerry Baker will once again lead this group of athletes. "Bake" who has been coaching for so long he can't recall how many years, is looking forward to what this year's season may hold for his athletes.

The Cardinals graduated post player Genesis Pearson, whose size and determination was a strong denominator for the Cardinal offense. Baker will look to senior Dionna Baker to fill those shoes. " She's tough and worked hard this summer preparing for the upcoming season," said Coach Baker. "She'll be a contender in the league down inside."

Alongside Baker, senior Ronnie Hulce will bump and push the competition around under the hoop. "Both of these girls should dominate down low," said coach Baker.

Ronnie is quick and her jump shot isn't too shabby either, this deadly duo will give the competition a run for their money.

Senior Kristin Potter is a spit fire when it comes to ball handling and is a top contender for the guard position. She is a crowd-pleaser who makes the price of admission worth your while.

"I'm very pleased with the ball handling skills of our guards," said coach Baker. "But their outside shooting has got to improve or we could be in trouble. As of now that's my no. 1 concern."

Senior Krystal Harris may be that saving grace. This girl can hit a three when you're in a bind. "Krystal has a nice outside shot," said Baker. "She will light it up offensively."

Senior Taylor Doepker also has a nice touch on the ball that can hit nothing but net on the court.

Defensively the Cardinals have a handful of girls that will leave you shaking in your boots.

Senior Kayla Huxoll is a smart player who will pick off a pass and find her teammate on the fast break as quick as you can blink your eye.

Senior Amanda Cook is an aggressive player who will keep the competition on its toes.

Senior Hailey Goenen is a wild thing who will swipe the ball and have it down the floor for a lay-up before the competition even knows the ball is gone.

"Hailey is a fire plug," said coach Baker. "She will definitely spark the defense."

"We've always been competitive with everyone in the league," said Goenen. "We've been playing against the same group of girls since junior high and have always done well."

The Cardinals will concentrate on a man to man defense using the press only when need be. "We match up well," said coach Baker. "We have a tendency to get into foul trouble with the press."

The Cardinals will face a few new teams this season and a tougher schedule. "Most of the tougher teams are nonleague," said Baker. "It will be good preparation for when we face Desales and Dayton. Both teams return most of their players so they've got experience on their side."

"Our girls played close to 30 games this summer," said coach Baker. "Most of those times we played DeSales athletes so I think we'll be ready come game time."

As the shin splints and sore muscles work their way out, the Cardinals continue to push themselves.

"It's only been a week of practice and the girls are running one minute 16's," said coach Baker. "That makes me happy, and I'm seeing a lot of good things with the freshman that came up as well. This is a good group of girls who have great attitudes. They know what is expected of them and I look forward to the upcoming season."