The defense was there from the start and the offense steadily is coming along.
The Carroll Christian girls basketball team, under first-year coach Davina King, is 4-2 going into the holiday break and it appears things are going to get better.
As a three-year starter at point guard and a team captain in the early 1980's for the Patriots, King was like a coach on the court in her playing days. Now as head coach, she's incorporating some new twists both offensively and defensively and the Patriots have responded.
"I'm really pleased. The girls all have good attitudes and are eager to learn the game of basketball," King said.
The Patriots have some good size to go along with plenty of team speed and are working on getting the most of those qualities.
Junior forward Nicole Dean is the team's leading scorer at 11 points a game and had a career-high 19 in the Patriots' 57-40 win against Broadfording earlier in the week. Senior center/forward Heather Rhyne (seven points per game) is the team captain and best rebounder. The addition of Kristy Caldwell, a transfer from Florida, has been a boost up front. At 5-10, she's averaged eight points in her first two games and has been a big help on the boards.
Senior Cheryl Beard is the team's point guard, and Maryanne Harbin can play both guard spots. Sophomore Cathy Saylor is the first player off the bench and is averaging six points a game to go along with her relentless defense.
hTC A lot of the Patriots' offense this season has been generated from its defense. They come at teams with presses, man to man and some zone and often make them pay with easy transition baskets.
"We get a lot of points off steals. That's our game -- fast break," King said.
The Patriots are spreading the floor in their half-court offense with two wing players to go along with the point guard.
"It attacks the zones we've been seeing a little better and opens up the lane," she said.
"We need to get the offense going. My guards are getting a lot of assists, but I'd like to see them score a little more. The post players are doing well."
Sophomore Cathi Paul, junior Erika Elgersma and senior Courtney Tracey are giving King quality minutes off the bench.