You do not want to get into a track meet with Todd County
The Todd County Lady Falcons, in a light moment, tip off their season Tuesday against Bennett County.
Well, well, well, after months of speculation and weeks of practice the high school basketball season gets underway Tuesday as Todd County hosts Bennett County in Mission.
The Lady Falcons suffered some serious graduation losses with Stevie Lone Dog, Raven Patton and Selena Marshall departing, but a young, talented and athletic group led by returning starters, sophomores Raven Cournoyer and Doris White Hat has Falcon coaches, fans, and this blogger frothing at the mouth to get a fist look.
“I think this team will be total different. Where Stevie and Raven were dominant forces in the paint, offensively & defensively, this year’s team will be really fast and devastating from the perimeter. They should be exciting to watch as the Lady Falcons get a total make over due to the type of talent we have,” Boyd said.
Ahhh, really fast and devastating on the perimeter....The Lady Falcons have some serious speed on the court this season. White Hat ripped it up during a brief stint in track last spring and Cournoyer finished 8th in the 800 meters at the Class A state meet.
Expected to make her debut as a starter on the Lady Falcons squad is 8th-grader, Caelyn Valandra-Prue, who was the Howard Wood Dakota Relays champion and Class A state runner-up in the 400 meters.
“Speed and athleticism is what people will notice right away,” Boyd said. “Possibly three point guards in the starting line up. Caelyn Valandra will definitely make an impact just as she has in the track & cross-country programs here at TC. We will be very, very young, but will put a ton of pressure on opponents on both sides of the court.”
Toss in 3200 meter Lady Stallion, Kelsie Herman and other athletes like Gabby Iron Heart, Lacee Halligan, Alanis Murray and Pauley Murray, all who have track experience, and this team looks deep and with the ability to literally (Roberta Bizardie) run people off the court.
That said, you don't lose a Stevie Lone Dog and Raven Patton without having some holes to fill in the middle. Coach, Bob Boyd says he has high hopes for Gabby Iron Heart and Katie Bear Shield to toughen up a smallish Lady Falcon squad.
“We have high hopes for Gabby Iron Heart and Katie Bear Shield,” Boyd said. “Gabby is an athletic sophomore, who may develop that role, but Katie is more perimeter oriented that will open the floor for our guards and can hit the open three.”
It's always interesting to see teams that suffer graduation losses. Do they rebuild or do they reload, that is the question? With a young team, Boyd may not be quite sure what he'll have by seasons end...One thing he does know is what he thinks its going to take to win.
“What it comes down to every year. Will each player be willing to sacrifice the individual for the team? Will they understand, accept and execute their role in the program.? That’s what successful teams do. We need to do that. It will be fun to watch this team grow up,” Boyd said.
So, who will be the leading scorer - Haven't the foggiest
Who leads this team in rebounds, assists, steals, blocked shots, drawn charges...Hmmmm, guess we'll find out tomorrow!
Let the games begin...Wheeeeooooowwww!!
