Hannah Bargas
Student Sports Media
As the football season comes to a close, the women’s basketball team is amped up for their season that will start Tuesday, Nov. 1 against Oklahoma Wesleyan. Since the gym floor is still under construction, the team will be playing at Augusta High School for their first game. Eighth year Head Coach Mike Helmer will lead the team along with fifth year Assistant Coach, Butler alumni Abby Fawcett.
“I’m excited for this year, from the standpoint that we have a lot of returners, so as coach that makes everything so much easier,” Helmer said.
He explained that he can call out a drill or play and the returners can get the newcomers caught up. Helmer expressed that on and off the court, his biggest wish is for the team to understand the expectations. He expects this year to be easier than last year, because of the numerous returners.
This year we will continue to see, Nakylia Carter, Kyeria Hannah, Raven Prince, Morgan Littlewood, Alecia Gulledge, Imari Bell and Kendriana Washington. Helmer and Fawcett both agreed that having these players as returners is definitely something to be excited about. Three key elements that are wanted from this team, is defense, family and playing to high intensity. This program has excelled for many years to continue the legacy of being the top five defensively.
“That’s what we build our program on,” said Helmer.
Family is a key to many teams, but to this one it’s what keeps them motivated to stay on the grind on and off the court. Helmer and Fawcett agreed that being like a family is most important. Kyeria Hannah added that the biggest change this year was seeing that the team had a bond.
“You don’t have to be best friends, but you have to have respect for each other,” said Helmer.
Playing with high intensity will be another asset to a successful team and season. Helmer expressed that every game they plan to play up to their potential, not other teams in the conference. With the preseason record of 6-0 it seems that their motto of family, is what makes this team untouchable, not just in an athletic way, but as a team.
Coming off a 13-6 record in conference last year, Helmer expressed that with only three sophomores to lead the team, that’s where they faltered. One big addition to the team this year is five men players in practice. The men will simulate the other team, so that the team doesn’t have to switch off from offense to defense, but rather focus on playing as one team as opposed to against one another.
“The guys have been phenomenal; I think they have been a game changer for us,” Helmer said.
The team has averaged 26 games a season, which is one of the best in the country they have never gone 6-0 ever in pre-season until this year. Not only have the players done the work to achieve, but Helmer and Fawcett agree that having the men in practice gave the women some challenge that was game-like.
