Nitro's Jones excited about Wildcats' depth
By JOE ALBRIGHT
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NITRO – Two months ago, Nitro head coach Pat Jones hoped his team would develop depth through participation in the Wildcats' spring and summer games.
His group had a vast number of players out for the team. They could make a push to lengthen the bench. He was certain the turnout presented the chance to get a leg up in an extremely competitive Class AAA. They just needed to cash in on the opportunity.
Consider it - Cashed.
Following a summer of practice together, he says his group has developed that desired depth. According to him, the Wildcats will go eight to ten deep as they return to the court in search of the school's second state championship in four years. There's also new depth at the ball-handling position, thanks to a transfer.
"I was very happy with the 3-week period and the summer. We played a helter-skelter type of basketball, not pressing. But the girls are in good shape and they worked out hard. Ahmed Whitney came in and trained the girls in the weight room and cardio and the girls bought in," he said.
Among those who impressed the most?
This depth starts with South Charleston transfer Natalie Smith. Smith, who according to Jones, hardly looked like a kid just two months into her Wildcats' career, took to point guard Ava Edwards, quickly.
The two formed a bond and as they did so the Wildcats' gained a second option at point guard, according to Jones. He hopes the flexibility continues into the regular season.
He indicated the bond benefitted the team greatly during the off months. "Honestly I was really happy, Edwards' man defense looked great and she's playing some of the best basketball I've seen in two years," he said. "She's a lot more comfortable with her shot."
Brooklyn Colley and Mika Adams also received recognition from their coach. He credited both of them with can-do attitudes. Adams could be a really special player, and Colley might be small but she can shoot the ball.
All of them join Karson Jones, Briana Gibson, and the other girls looking for a spot on the top unit.
At this point, Jones indicated the starting lineup is wide open. "A lot of these girls know they have the opportunity to start, and that is exciting for us and them," he said.
Jones says he isn't resting on the early improvements. He knows there's room to get better, especially for a group that sees Wayne and Ripley, two of the top Class AAA state title contenders, in the regular season.
It will be just as hard for his team to win a championship, thanks to that same classification being filled with talented teams.
"I am excited to see where we finish the year. Our depth and talent will keep getting better. Last year, our second team didn't push our first team, but plenty of people are battling for a first-team spot this season," Jones said. "By mid to late season, we hope to be competing for a spot in the state tournament."
