Warriors and Warriorettes take the court for practice and scrimmage

Mia Murray on fast break during first day of practice

By Jerry Lowery

On Nov. 4, the Warriors and Warriorettes took to the basketball court for the first day of official practice.  Through all the workouts and conditioning, it’s time to start working on the x’s and o’s of the game.

Michael Dodgen, head coach of the Warriorettes, talked about the first day of practice.

We had a very solid day of practice,” said Dodgen.  “With our top six scorers coming back this year, there has been some excitement heading into this season and the start of practice.  I felt like the girls responded well to every challenge we put in front of them and improved with each step.  We have some girls that have really stepped up in our fall conditioning, and it has helped us with some depth and making things more competitive during practice.”

The Warriorettes will get their first taste of action when they travel on Middle Tennessee Christian School, in Murfreesboro, on Nov. 9, to take on Riverdale High School in a scrimmage at 9 a.m. They will play again at 2 p.m. the same day.

Warriors drill in practice

The Warriors also have started practice.

“We have had two really good days of practice,” said Eric Mitchell, head coach for the Warriors.  “The coaching staff is excited about this upcoming season.  The guys have been working hard in the weight room, and it’s time now to get things right on the court.”

When asked how he felt about being picked to win the district, Coach Mitchell responded, “We don’t put much stock in pre-season polling.  It does not mean that much before you play a game.  I’m happy that the other coaches and media make the statement that we are good this year, however, before we tip it off and get some games under our belt and see how we respond to the actual competition.  Our district is really good this year, and any team we play can win this district.  We want to be our best, in February, come tournament time. It is the tournament that dictates how good of a team you are.  We need to finish strong.”

The Warriors will face Livingston for the first test against another team and then will play host to Lebanon, on Nov. 12, at Roy Sewell Gym, on the campus of White County High School.