Coming off a 1-19 season, the Montezuma-Cortez High School girls basketball program needed a change.
Enter John McHenry.
A former Dolores High School coach known for his intensity and commitment to excellence, McHenry is looking to bring energy to a team that has struggled in recent years.
YOUNG GUARDS FIGURE TO PLAY KEY ROLE
Figuring to play a key role in McHenry’s rebuilding project will be junior point guard Nicole Demby, a skilled passer and developing scorer who averaged 4.5 points per game last season.
“I’m excited,” said Demby. Our goal is to have a winning record, have a close team and have a good time.”
Also likely to garner playing time at the guard positions will be sophomore Simone Lopez, sophomore Yanibah Bayless, sophomore Abriana Conklin and Keselya Plewe.
DEVELOPING POST
PLAYERS HOPING TO CONTRIBUTE
Complimenting M-CHS’s guards will be a group of developing post players, who, along with rebounding and defense, will look to provide the Panthers with scoring inside.
Among the players likely to contribute down low are junior Abby Chupp, sophomore Kelsie Ralstin, junior Savannah Jacket and junior Chantell Manuel.
“My goal is to win some games,” emphasized Chupp. “We have improved. I think this year could be better than prior years. I’m excited.”
TEAM LOOKING FOR OFFENSE, EMPHASIZING DEFENSE
Hoping to get the most out of his roster, McHenry plans to implement a balanced offensive style capable of scoring out of half court sets and on fast break opportunities.
“Offensively, we’re finding ourselves,” said McHenry. “We’re running different personnel to see what we can do and what style we can play.”
On the defensive end, the Panthers will specialize in man-to-man defense.
“Before we can ever run a zone, we have to be good at man,” explained McHenry.
SOUTHWEST LEAGUE SCHEDULE PRESENTS CHALLENGE
Playing in the always-difficult Southwest League, M-CHS figures to be challenged in almost every game.
After opening the season at home against Delta on Dec. 2, the Panthers will travel to the Shiprock Tournament Dec. 5-7.
Highlighting this season’s schedule for the Panthers will a home matchup against Durango (Jan. 30) and a road matchup against Durango Feb. 11.
“We want to win,” said McHenry of the upcoming season. “We want to get going. I’m raising the bar high. I want to make playoffs.”
A lofty goal indeed, but given the energy that McHenry has already brought to the Panthers’ program, a ticket to the postseason could be obtainable.