The Carson City-Crystal girls basketball team is poised for a fresh start as they prepare to return to the varsity level this season. After having to cancel their varsity season last year due to low participation, the Eagles are enthusiastic about resuming play under new head coach Deo Winsor. This season is not merely a rebuilding effort; it represents a complete restart of the program.
New Coach, New Challenges
This season, the Eagles face a unique challenge as their roster consists entirely of underclassmen. With six freshmen joining the team, the players will have to adapt quickly to the rigors of varsity basketball. Coach Winsor acknowledges the mix of excitement and inexperience. “They enjoy playing basketball. That’s a good thing. The not-so-good thing is they don’t have a lot of experience,” he said. Despite this, he remains optimistic about their potential, stating that the team possesses a strong work ethic.
According to Cailyn Zemla, the team captain and only senior, the players are eager to improve the program. “I think we’re all just really excited to play,” she remarked. “We just want to try and improve the program a lot this year.” Zemla has taken on a leadership role, aiming to create a supportive environment for her younger teammates.
Coaching Background and Future Expectations
Winsor brings a wealth of experience to his new position, having coached junior high basketball for over two decades. He has also led various youth teams in the area. Last year, he coached the seventh-grade girls team at Carson City-Crystal. After being approached by Principal and Athletic Director Kaleb Farnham about the varsity role, Winsor felt compelled to step in. He expressed a deep concern for the girls’ development and a desire to foster stability within the program.
“I had so much fun with the younger kids that it really got the coaching juices flowing again,” Winsor added. His primary goal is to see improvement throughout the season. “That’s all I expect. We’ve been tracking our free throws, and we’re getting better every week,” he noted.
The Eagles are not entirely new to competition; they return four players from last year’s junior varsity team. Winsor believes this experience will be beneficial as they navigate the upcoming season. “The three sophomores and one senior are the core of our group. They’re the leaders and have been bringing the younger players along,” he explained.
With the season officially underway, both Winsor and Zemla are prepared for the challenges ahead. The team is set to face opponents with more experience, which could pose difficulties. “Understanding the reality of what we’re up against is going to be challenging,” Zemla acknowledged, emphasizing the difference in competition compared to last year.
Despite the hurdles, the Eagles are focused on building a strong team atmosphere and improving their skills. Winsor aims to cultivate a cohesive unit, reminiscent of successful programs he has been part of in the past. “There were no egos on the team, and it showed in the way we played,” he stated.
The Eagles’ journey begins with a mix of nervousness and excitement as they look to establish themselves in the varsity landscape. “I think that we’re all really nervous, which is to be expected,” Zemla mentioned, but she also noted the eagerness of the team to achieve their goals this year.
As the season progresses, the Carson City-Crystal girls basketball team is determined to make a positive impact, regardless of their record. Winsor and his players are ready to embrace the challenges, learn from their experiences, and perhaps secure a few victories along the way. “I think we’re going to be a rough program at the beginning, but I think by the end of the season, people are going to be impressed with what we’re going to do,” Winsor concluded.
