By Trey Hunter
Sports Editor
The Okarche girls basketball team is getting set for the 2018-19 regular season as their road opener at Preston tips off tonight.
Coach Kelli Jennings says her team has been working hard in practice this year and is ready for the season to begin.
“We have 13 girls playing high school basketball this year and they are strong, dedicated and committed to working hard,” Jennings said. “The positives have been our girls’ work ethic and desire to challenge each other while building each other up.”
Jennings’ team has goals, especially after reaching the semifinals in last year’s state tournament. However, she says the team’s goals are just a byproduct of the work they’ve put in each week leading up to tonight.
“We do have team goals,” she said. “But ultimately we know that whatever goals we have, we as a team have to sacrifice each day to be the best we can be.
When we do that, the goals we have should become a byproduct of that work.
“The girls know the tradition of Okarche basketball. They know the honor it is to wear a jersey and desire to protect the tradition that so many have worked to build.”
Okarche is looking to replace four senior starters and five total. Two of those seniors are now playing college ball, so there are some big shoes to fill according to Jennings.
“Right now we have 13 girls battling for five spots,” she said. “And my desire is that we have 13 girls that can step up at any moment. So while losing four starters is hard, competition among teammates can be a positive that brings out the best in each player.”
This year’s seniors will be Kassidy Rother, Jade Owens and Cydnie Hull.
The team’s juniors will be Rachel McDowell, Marlo Hunt, Raegan Robinson and Kelsee Brown. Madison Owens will be the team’s lone sophomore followed by freshmen Adyson Arms, Savannah Mingus, Mackenzie Schneiter, Karsyn Vallerand and Ryen Wittrock.
Following the teams season opener at Preston, Okarche opens the home slate against Lomega on Tuesday, the team’s first of eight home games. The Warriors will also take on Dale, Watonga, OCA, Oklahoma Bible Academy, Hennessey, Amber-Pocasset and Cashion at home this season.
The team’s seven road games include Preston, Dover, Calumet, OCA, Cordell, Thomas and Crescent.
The Warriors will also play in the Garber Tournament, the Three Rivers Conference Tournament in Enid and the Coyle Tournament before postseason play starts with the District Tournament on Feb. 7.
