Thomas Dale High School Girls Basketball Season Preview

As Coach Pamela Walker prepares for another season with the Thomas Dale High School basketball team, she is excited about the talent and potential of her players. While they have faced challenges in the past, Coach Walker is confident in the team's ability to improve and succeed. Returning to lead the team are some standout players from last season, including Syvannah Dawson, Allie Broadus, Timani Harris, and Shikiya Lambert. These players have shown their strength on the court and have garnered attention from Division 1 schools. Coach Walker praises their 3-level scoring abilities, unafraid mindset, and clean offensive game. These players have a strong foundation and will be crucial in leading the team to success. However, Coach Walker is also excited about the new players who will make an immediate impact on the team. Among them is Khya Epps, who is known for her tenacity on the court and her ability to score at all three levels. With her impressive skills and all-around game, Epps has received attention from top schools like Wake Forest and Duke. When it comes to choosing team captains, Coach Walker looks for players who are not only skilled on the court but also have a strong sense of leadership and camaraderie. Shikiya Lambert, a smart guard who is fearless in action, fits this role perfectly. For Coach Walker, motivation and pushing players to their full potential is about creating a culture of care. By emphasizing care for others and themselves, the team can build chemistry and recognize each other's gifts. This mindset is crucial in keeping the players motivated and embracing challenges and failures as a way to grow and improve. The team is facing some challenges this season, including a young roster and a shift in mindset. But Coach Walker is confident in her players' capabilities and has implemented a plan that focuses on individual and team goals, while also recognizing and celebrating even the smallest of milestones. The team is also working on accountability and understanding that motivation may wane, but it's how they bounce back and respond that matters. The team's schedule this season includes tough opponents and some exciting matchups. Coach Walker is looking forward to playing against state champions and defending their UBI championship in Myrtle Beach. They will also face powerhouse team Duncanville at the We Got Game tournament. When it comes to coaching style, Coach Walker believes in mastering the basics and fundamentals.