West Jordan girls basketball team is young, but ready to play

The West Jordan girls basketball team spent the offseason focusing on fundamentals and offensive prowess. There were summer camps at West Jordan High School and the College of Eastern Utah in Price. The team used these opportunities to work on consistency on both ends of the court.

“We can’t afford to have peaks and valleys during games,” seventh-year head coach Carl Boudreaux said.

The team is a young group and the extra time together during the offseason should be helpful. The Jaguars are beginning competition in a newly-constructed Region 3. “We have a new region to learn, new teams to adjust to, while we develop our own chemistry,” Boudreaux said.

There are a number of girls who played varsity minutes last season who are returning, only one of whom is a senior. Annie Oliver, who scored nearly 10 points a game last year, is the only senior for the 2011-12 season. Oliver worked over the summer to improve many aspects of her game. Her toughness and willingness to improve will provide leadership for her younger teammates. “Annie’s maturity on and off the court will help our team develop and maintain the needed attitude to have a successful season,” Boudreaux said.

There are several juniors who also contributed varsity minutes last season and will be expected to contribute this season as well. Markii Ashton, Kimberly Evans, Synclaire Lucas and Lejla Hadzialijagic are all returning to their respective positions. There are also a number of sophomores who will likely play varsity minutes this season.

The team’s goal is to make the state tournament every year. In 2010-11, the team finished 5-17, fifth in Region 3 and lost a play-in game at the state tournament. To improve, Boudreaux hopes to make the tournament this year outright, without having to go through the play-in process.

According to Boudreaux, the team’s biggest challenge this season may revolve around consistency. With the offseason focuses and a structured practice schedule which measures performances, on individual and team levels, there should be some visible improvement. “Our best indicator will be how we perform against other teams. This season, accountability and responsibility are very important to our team,” Boudreaux said.

Both the players and coaches are extremely excited to start the season. They are all also looking forward to the challenge of improving. There are challenges facing the young team, but a positive attitude and a lot of support should allow them to continue their offseason work well into the winter, Boudreaux said.