MOORE — It’s a week after almost every other team in the state, but Westmoore kicks off its season this week.
Despite the delay, coach Andrea Guziec is ready to see her team perform against live competition.
“We like to compete and with a bit more attention to detail, we will be ready,” Guziec said. “With nine seniors graduating last year, we have a lot of young kids that will be important parts of our program. They are learning more and more every day and are gaining confidence along the way.”
The Jags return almost an entirely new squad from last season’s team that went 10-14 and lost in the first round of regionals. No starters return and Victoria Lay, Patty Padgett and Victoria Gonzalez have the only varsity experience.
“Patty Padgett, Victoria Lay, Callie Palmer, Victoria Gonzalez and Alex Scott will all be important upperclassmen for us this season,” Guziec said. “I expect them to contribute in scoring, rebounding, and defense every game.”
With such a young and inexperienced team, Westmoore can’t have any wasted days. Guziec wants to see them get better every time they step on the court.
“We have to look at each practice, each film session, each game as a building block to where we want to be by the end of the season,” Guziec said.
The Jaguars faced Edmond Memorial Tuesday in the season opener. They now head off to Durant Thursday for the three-day Lions Classic Tournament. If they are able to pick up some early season wins it can help boost the team’s confidence.
“It would be very big,” Guziec said. “As young and inexperienced as we are at the varsity level, that would mean a lot. We are a much better team when we play tough defense and allow that to lead to better offense.”
SaberCats roll
The Southmoore boys kicked off their season last week with two convincing wins. It started with a 50-40 season opener at Yukon Nov. 27.
Then on Friday, they rolled over Norman 56-34 at home. Logan Smith led the charge with 14 points and Braydon Powell chipped in with 12.
The Tigers played the Cats close in the first quarter and trailed by only four points. But Southmoore outscored Norman 19-11 in the second and 16-6 in the fourth to turn contest into rout.
Southmoore faced Midwest City Tuesday and will host Yukon Friday to try and stay undefeated on season.
Lady Cats
Southmoore began its season Friday with a convincing 48-27 victory over Norman High.
