Girls basketball coach Mandy Todd begins her second season at East Knox under trying circumstances. Senior Shanda Melick suffered a torn ACL during summer camp, shaking up an inexperienced team.
“It was as if someone just popped our balloon,” Todd said. “We relied heavily on her in many ways and have for several years.”
Melick averaged 9.9 points per game and added 2.5 steals per game last season.
“Our team has had to redefine themselves and discover who we are now,” Todd said. “This has taken grit and I'm excited to see how we grow from and through this”
If the Lady Bulldogs hope to overcome obstacles this season, they will have to look at themselves.
“Our focus word this year is 'grit,'” Todd said. “Grit can be defined as courage and resolve, or strength of character.”
East Knox finished in fifth place last season with a 5-6 mark in the Knox-Morrow Athletic Conference and fought to an 11-12 overall record. In the tournament, they defeated Delaware Christian 59-23 in a first-round tournament game before losing to District champion Berne Union, 45-21.
The team features senior forward Kaya Salyers, a returning starter, and six letter winners.
“We look for seniors Natalie Smith and Raelyn Todd to help lead the team down the floor and look for sophomores Ella Divan and Molly Totten to come alongside them and serve big roles as well," Todd said.
Todd is excited about a pair of young post players. Sophomore Sydney Opfer continues to grow as a leader and player on both ends of the floor, and junior Jayden Annett will join her.
“To round out our team, we have two senior guards, Mackenzie Ernsberger and Hannah McCoy, that will add support and spark,” Todd said.
Todd begins her third year at East Knox, her second as the head coach; she assisted Chip Pozderac in her first year. As head coach, she has lined up an experienced staff. Joining her is long-time junior high coach Dan Magers, Ron Looney will again fill the JV position and Pat Forshey has agreed to continue as a volunteer.
“I am blessed to be surrounded by great coaches working alongside me this year in the assistant position,” Todd said.
Todd believes the defense is what fuels the Lady Bulldogs.
“We strive to develop defensive players who are aggressive and intense,” Todd said. “Our main focus is man-to-man defense, but we love to throw in some different zone looks, too.”
Offensively, East Knox is trying different methods to help the girls establish themselves and find their identity.
The coaches hold this group of girls in very high regard.
“We are so blessed to be working with such a fantastic group of young ladies,” Todd said. “These girls have the best attitudes, work hard every day on the court and in the classroom and encourage and support one another.
“We truly are a family and treat each other as such,” Todd said. “We are excited to see our team develop this season and bring the Bulldog grit.”
East Knox starts the season with multiple scrimmages and non-league games and opens its KMAC league play Saturday, Dec. 3, vs. Fredericktown.
