Consistency the key to ‘next step’ for Lady Bulldogs

After digging out of a two-year hole, the Lovell Lady Bulldogs have been much more competitive on the hardwood over the past two season, but now they need to take the next step, coach Chris Edwards said this week ahead of the Bridger Valley Tournament in Lyman and Mountain View, and that will require more consistent play, he added.
The Lady Bulldogs went 5-17 in 2019-20 and 8-10 in ’20-21, then jumped to 15-10 in ’21 and recorded the same record a season ago in 2022-23. The team lost four key seniors to graduation in Lily Edwards, Connie Hall, Amee Newman and Kallie Owens.
“If we want to make that next step and put ourselves in a better position to be in the top four in the West, we’ve got to be consistent defensively and offensively every night,” Edwards said. “We can’t afford to be a high-quality team for two or three quarters a game.
“We have to play a competitive four quarters every night. Hopefully, our depth this year will help sustain the energy and speed needed to match the top teams in the 3A West.”
Edwards, starting his 14th year at the helm of the Lady Bulldogs, believes his team’s speed and quickness will be an asset this year, noting, “It seems the teams that hurt us the most had the ability to transition at high speeds but yet stay in control. I feel like the girls are buying into that mentality and focus on that aspect of our offensive transition.”
Asked about team strengths, Edwards cited having a deeper team this season.
“Our depth should be one of our strengths this year, being able to play eight to 10 girls without losing any quality of play on the floor,” he said. “I think we’ll be able to handle foul trouble and injuries better this year because of our depth.”
As for challenges, Edwards cited perimeter shooting and “being able to consistently knock down shots from the 15- to 19-foot range,” adding, “If you can’t hit those shots, defenses will pack the paint, which will limit the offensive efficiency we have.”
Edwards plans to maintain the same “four-out, one-in-the-post” offensive scheme in 2023-24 and apply pressure on defense to “create more of a chaotic style of play,” adding, “As coaches, we understand that we’re not going to be able to physically match up with some of the taller, more physical players. We want to play the game at 94 feet instead of half court.”
Position analysis
With starters yet to be determined early in the week, Edwards examined lineup possibilities heading into the first weekend of play:
Point guard (1 position) – Working at the key floor general position are returning starter Kenadee Rael, a junior, senior Krysta McIntosh and junior Raegan May.
“It’s nice having three girls that can handle the ball and not put all of the pressure on one primary ballhandler,” Edwards said, adding that Rael appears to be healthy after having issues with her back during volleyball season, and McIntosh is gaining more confidence with a previously injured knee.
“Kenadee brings a tough-nosed leadership and an intensity physicality all players can learn from. We do need to rein in a tendency to get in foul trouble.”
Shooting guard (2 position) – Playing the “two” will be seniors Madison Wolvington and Keyanna Walker and sophomore Becca Nichols, with May and McIntosh able to play the “two.”
“Keyanna brings a perimeter shooting threat. She’s able to knock down long distance shots and has a great skill set for ballhandling. Maddie, Raegan and Becca all bring quickness, which allows us to push the ball in transition. Krysta is a high IQ player who understands the game.
Wing (3-4 position) – Working on the wing are senior Summer Teter and juniors Libby Mickelson and Breeah Jones.
“We have length, and those girls are athletic enough to also push the tempo,” Edwards said. “Summer is a good combo player who is at her best when she’s attacking hard and using her strength to get to the rim. Libby (returning starter) is hoping to utilize her athleticism where she can slash and cut to the basket. She’s also developed a good perimeter jump shot, which can help our team stretch defenses. We’re encouraging Libby to be more physical this year on the low block.
“Breeah brings in another tall, athletic girl with a good skill set, with she and Libby able to get the rebound and take the ball themselves so we can get out (on the fast break) quicker. Breeah does have a good perimeter shot, as well, which makes her a tough matchup for opposing defenses.”
Center (5 position) – Junior Kennadee Owens will take over the post from her sister Kallie.
“Kennadee is a true five player who does a good job getting position,” Edwards said. “She has some good post moves and also has a very soft touch from 15 feet in. She’s another girl with some quick feet who can use that to maneuver around taller players.
“As a group, I feel we’re more athletic and have more depth, which will allow us to play a style more favorable in the 3A West. The key this year is all of the girls buying into their roles and understanding that their role is vital to the team. We’ve got to have girls coming off the bench with passion and energy.”
Edwards is assisted again this year by junior varsity coach Dane Robertson and freshman coach Dan Wolvington.
The Lady Bulldogs will open the season at the Bridger Valley Tournament this weekend in Lyman and Mountain View. Friday in Lyman, the Lady Bulldogs meet Little Snake River at 1:30 p.m. and host Lyman at 7:30 (JVs at 4:30). Saturday in Mountain View, Lovell meets Rich County, Utah, at 9 a.m. (JVs at 10:30) and Mountain View at 3 p.m. (JVs at noon).