By Blake Colston
Sports Editor
No team in the state was affected by COVID-19 issues more than the Okarche Lady Warriors last season.
On three separate occasions, Okarche had month-long layoffs that kept the team from ever finding continuity. Because of that, OHS finished 15-7 and just short of the state tournament.
“I don’t feel like our kids ever got into a consistent rhythm,” head coach Haley Mitchel said. “COVID made it very tough last season.”
Those disruptions should be, for the most part, a thing of the past this year. Which bodes well for the outlook on the 2021-22 season in Lady Warrior country.
So does the long list of talent back from last season. Okarche returns four starters and a total of eight contributors that are either juniors or seniors.
So far, through preseason practice and two scrimmages, most everything has gone according to plan.
“That has made a big difference,” Mitchel said of fewer players being out due to COVID protocols. “Everyone has bought into the system and how we want to play. I’ve been very pleased with them.”
Karsyn Vallerand, Sophie Vandenderiessche, Savannah Mingus — who missed all of last season with an injury — Adyson Arms and Ryen Wittrock all return. So do Jali Rother, Tyson Endres, Ruby Vandenderiessche, Emma Stover, Jadyn Rother and Abigayle Johnson.
“We’ve practiced well so far,” Mitchel said. “We are going to be as good as the girls want to be. I think they’ve really embraced the Okarche tradition so far.”
The Lady Warriors open the season at home Friday, Nov. 5 when they host Preston. Last season, the Lady Pirates finished 14-11 and lost out in the Area round of the Class 2A playoffs.
