This blog originated as an assignment for a sportswriting class at the University of Iowa, and I therefore must occasionally update it with posts that do not relate to the Red Sox or how much I hate the Yankees (who are losing in Game 1 of the World Series as I write this, and there is much rejoicing). This post is the first in that series: enjoy.
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BJ Mayer does not subscribe to the theory that basketball players must be tall to be successful. The head coach of the Iowa City West High girls' basketball program, Mayer fields a team that reached the second round of the playoffs last year despite having only four players taller than 5 feet 9 inches.
"We're not tall, so our weakness will be defending inside," said Mayer. "We want to create a tempo that's chaotic and crazy to get other teams out of their element...we want to wear teams down."
The Trojans will need that tempo in order to compensate for the loss of last year's two leading scorers, departed seniors Emma Krieger Kittle and Madison Sadecky. The team will focus more on three-point shots, hoping that their pressing defense will create more opportunities on the offensive side of the court. Mayer expects guard Kristin Fomon to be the Trojans' main threat behind the three-point line, and the senior is also a front-runner for a spot as team captain.
The Trojans begin official practice on Nov. 9, and Mayer will begin the season by focusing on team chemistry and installing the new, high-octane playbook.
"The kids need to play together...we have a lot of new varsity players, and they need to get on the same page," said Mayer. "It's very important that we get off to a good start so that we're able to get the young kids some confidence and allow them to play relaxed."
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