The East Knox Bulldogs girls asketball team is coming into this season with a team-first mentality centered on togetherness. The Bulldogs are optimistic that by clicking as a unit and focusing on playing together, they have the necessary pieces in place to have a strong season.

Mandy Todd, Class of 1999, will be taking over the reins as the coach at East Knox. Todd is inheriting a team with a strong senior leadership core constructed of Anjel Montgomery, Alexandria Majers and Laura Keith. Another key returning player is junior Shanda Melick, who was one of the top scorers on last year’s team along with Majers and Keith. One factor that will ultimately impact the destiny of this iteration of the Bulldogs is the play of the incoming freshman class. The group has had a lot of success at the junior high level but those young players will need to make a leap in order to help round out the varsity roster.

Under Todd, the Bulldogs have used the offseason to completely remodel their offense. East Knox is not the biggest team but is aiming to use speed and athleticism to devastate opponents with fast-paced basketball while still spreading the floor and staying aggressive.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Bulldogs will continue to focus on the man-to-man defense they have utilized in years past. Todd preaches defensive fundamentals, with the girls’ athleticism and hard-working attitudes allowing the team to stymie their opponents' offensive attacks. 

One of the characteristics of this Bulldogs team that sets them apart is their strong team chemistry and love of playing the game together.

“They're a really fun group of girls to be with, so I couldn't be more proud to jump in,” said Todd. “I'm very blessed to get to come in as a new head coach with such a great group.”

Todd is hoping to further foster a positive environment on the team by taking from the blueprint of her coach at East Knox, John Eaves, who always emphasized being unselfish and playing with passion. But Todd knows her role with the team stretches beyond the court. 

“I want my players to know that at the end of the day, I'm more than just a coach to them,” she said. T

odd said that she will hold the players on her team to high standards but that she and the rest of the coaching staff will hold themselves to these same standards.

In terms of results, East Knox believes it has the pieces to record a winning season this year. Beyond wins and losses, Todd is looking forward to seeing her team grow as the season progresses. 

“I'm more concerned about our attitude and effort in practice,” she said. “I think that will, in turn, allow the wins to come.”

The Bulldogs begin their season next Saturday against Delaware Christian at 11 a.m.