East Hardy Girls Basketball embarks on the season with a renewed purpose under first year coach and Cougars alum Donny Evans.Coach Evans has been coaching football at Sunrise Summit, but has been at the helm in various levels for roundball and has played the sport himself here in Cougars country.Coach Evans will have familiar faces with East Hardy alumni Kathy Strawderman and Lexi Strawderman, a mother-daughter pair who played the sport and have been on the sidelines coaching together here.Coach Evans will have his children helping as team managers: Aisiah Evans, Eira Evans and Julissa Evans.East Hardy Girls Basketball team will be led by the senior duo of Chloe Sue (G) and Adyson Crider (G/F), followed by junior Samantha Gordon (G/F), sophomore trio of Jenna Moyer (G), Baylee Aylor (G/F), Jaiden Gordon (F/C) and freshmen quartet of Charlee Hahn (F/C), Alexis Baker (G/F), Taylor Tillotson (G) and Katie Teets (G/F).
The Cougars have a tall order in replacing the all-time scoring career leader Brooklynn Tinnell and rebounding phenom Chloe Miller due to graduation and rising star Xavia Barber who suffered an injury, but these Cougars have the patience to learn the fundamentals and make another postseason run with hopes to go beyond the regional championship game to the state tournament in Charleston.
East Hardy Girls Basketball commenced this season at home against Class AAAA Hedgesville yesterday and visits Class AA Petersburg tomorrow.
The Cougars will travel to cross county rival Moorefield on December 30th and host the Yellow Jackets on January 22nd.
Sharing insight on his background and outlook on the team and the season, Coach Evans took time for a Q&A session:
How special is it being back at East Hardy and to coach the girls basketball team?
It’s always a privilege to be able to coach at your home schools. I’m exited to coach these ladies and see what they can accomplish.
What is your basketball coaching and playing background?
I have coached youth girls, girls/boys middle school. Varsity boys at the 3A level. I have played organized bball, played in leagues and tourneys throughout my life.
What is your coaching philosophy?
Our main thing we teach is get better every day, push yourself to get better, do the small things and everything else will take care of it self. To keep our spacing fill and replace.
What is the most rewarding aspect of coaching?
It’s always good to see how your players start and develop over the course of the season and their careers.
What are your goals for the team?
Our main goal is to get better every day at the small things, fundamentals , dribbling , passing , defense
How is the team chemistry?
As of now we have see good chemistry and good communication among our players
How is the senior leadership?
The seniors are doing a really good job pushing the younger players … showing them different techniques and moves .
How is the strength of your schedule?
Our main goal is to develop from game to game , week to week. Regardless of the competition we will play hard.
