Headed to the Courts (Marshfield)

Winter Sports is fast approaching and with that comes perhaps one of the most anticipated Basketball. That said, we reached out to the coaches in the Webster County area and asked them about the upcoming season.

Speaking for the Marshfield Bluejays Boys' Basketball is Coach John Cherne III and Girls' Basketball is Coach Katie Pritchard.

What are your goals for the season? 

Cherne: In establishing a new culture, getting buy-in from your players is sometimes tricky. Thus far, this has not been an issue with our boys. Our biggest challenge will be developing skill sets that fit the style of play we want. Learning Man to Man with rotations is a process that takes time. Tell the kids, "little by little"

Pritchard: Our goals for this season are to continue to build on the success we found at the end of last season. Each year we want to grow as a program and take steps forward. 

What are you looking forward to during the season? 

Cherne: We look forward to our kids improving as the season continues. This group has the potential to be very fun to watch when they do figure out the style of play. Our schedule has some excellent opponents and should make for good Basketball this winter. 

Pritchard: I am looking forward to seeing how each player grows throughout the season and how we grow as a team. We added some outstanding teams to our schedule this season and look forward to the challenges they will bring. 

What do you enjoy most about coaching?

Cherne: I have been doing this for 29 years and enjoying the process of improving daily. Our biggest challenge and goal is just trying to be better today than we were yesterday. Once we figure out how to do that, things will click, and watch out.

Pritchard: I enjoy watching players grow and find success on the court. They work so hard throughout the season, and it is neat when things start to come together for them. 

Who are some players to look out for, and why? 

Cherne: Zack Mings is a force around the rim and is developing into a player that can create for others.

Tegen Curley is a dynamic big player, he is still trying to figure things out. He is athletic and has a vast upside regarding his ability to score and defend multiple positions.

Merrick Dennis is a fun guard to watch and can score on multiple levels

Bryant Bull is very athletic and can impact the game on both sides of the floor with his vision to pass and athleticism defensively to close a gap quickly.

Pritchard: Sr. Riley Manary - She is a great leader for us. She does the little things on the floor that impact every part of the game. 

Jr. Lauren Luebbert - Big 8 East Player of the Year, First Team All-Conference, All-District Team - Lauren is a strong player on both ends of the floor. She is a threat anywhere on the floor. With her ability to shoot outside and post up at the block. 

Jr. Abby McBride - 1st Team All-Conference, All-Defensive Team All-Conference, All-District Team - Abby is an outstanding shooter from three and can get to the rim. She takes pride in her ability to defend. 

Jr. Lillie Findley and Jr. Halle Menzies also return for us. They both bring great energy to the floor and make us a better team in their ways.  We are excited for this year's freshmen class to join our team. They are great competitors and take pride in being Lady Jays. 

We, citizens of Webster County, look forward to what the season brings to these teams.