The Sinclair Lady Pride has their eyes on returning to prominence in the Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC). With four players returning from last year’s squad—the Lady Pride finished with a 11-13 record, according to OCCAC.org—including guards Jana Gross and Chelcie Gullett and a talented group of incoming freshmen, Head Coach Jeff Dillon has high expectations for the Lady Pride this season.
Lack of chemistry
Though last year’s team faced a bevy of injuries, there was also a lack of team cohesion, according to Gross.
“Last year we started off kind of slow and it wasn’t much of a team,” she said.
“We didn’t (have any chemistry),” added Gullet. “There was people (who) just didn’t like each other and that affected the way we played.”
Both guards suggest the Lady Pride, who has been working together since this summer, won’t have those issues this year.
“I think that (the new players) are coming in with the right mindset, but I hope they can keep it up for the rest of the year,” Gullett said.
Quickness and depth will be key
Dillon said that this team may be the deepest he has had in seven years.
“And probably the quickest,” he said. “They play really intense.”
The Lady Pride also have brains to go with their speed, according to Dillon.
“The learning curve has been really quick,” he said.
Gross agreed with Dillon’s sentiment.
“If we (work on) a play once or twice, (the team) catches on,” she said.
Gross thinks the team will have to improve their execution. Dillon sees their lack of post depth as an issue, but one that may be conquered with their speed.
“We’re going to have to keep the floor spread and get out and pressure people a little bit more (than usual),” Dillon said.
The Lady Pride will have their first test drive in a scrimmage against the Wright Patterson Air Force Base Club Team at Sinclair on Oct. 29.
“I think if we can stay healthy, the sky’s the limit,” Dillon said.