Girls basketball preview: Q&A with coach Emily Owens

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  • JV guard Alyssa Spencer practices one-on-one defense with Kaitlyn Scott and Tieraney Bolton.

  • Before a shooting drill, the Lady Mustangs await instructions from head coach Emily Owens, far left, and assistant coach Devon Thrash at practice Nov. 1.

  • Candice Buford (30) celebrates Keanna Coburn’s shot during practice Nov. 1.

  • Guard Lauryn Leasure, far left, shoots the ball during practice Nov. 1 as Makayla Hale waits to rebound.

  • Taylor Ware, guard, resets for a shooting drill as the Lady Mustangs practice Nov. 1.

  • Guards Hope Mealer and Taylor Ware practice a defensive drill Nov. 1. Guards Jamiah Thomas and Jourdan Smith are practice in the background.

  • Hope Mealer, Taylor Ware and Kaitlyn Scott practice a rebounding drill Nov. 1.

  • Guard Jourdan Smith (15) grabs the rebound during practice Nov. 1.

The Lady Mustangs host the Lady Hawks of Holly Springs High School at 6 p.m. Nov. 5.

Q: How has the team looked in the preseason/offseason?

A: I feel like everyone on the team has been working really hard. We’re getting better at little things and we’re paying much more attention to detail, which is going to help us in the long run. They’ve conditioned really hard so they should be in better shape than they’ve ever been in and everyone has a great positive outlook on what’s to come.

Q: Who do you expect to step up and be a good leader this year?

A: I’m expecting a lot from our seniors, Tieraney Bolton, Lauryn Leasure, TeAunna Williams and Jamiah Thomas. I think they all are doing a great job being vocal, and leading by example and practice. I also think Candice Buford and Hope Mealer are doing a great job, leading by example, showing what hard work is, and so I really expect those six who have varsity experience and who know what I expect, for them to lead the way for the younger, less experienced girls on the team.

Q: What’s your message to the team as you begin the season?

A: Our biggest thing is to stay positive and to work hard together. I think teams that play together can always achieve more than those that are just out for personal gain. I made a shirt this year that says strength in numbers because I feel like when we’re all together, we’re a lot stronger than when we’re going against each other. So my message is to just stay positive to work hard and to remember that we’re all in this together, no matter what.

Q: Is there anything else to say about the season?

A: I’m super excited about it. The girls are fun to be around, everyone seems to be getting along really well, like I said they are working hard, and I think everyone has a common goal to improve and succeed. A lot more wins and to really move on, build on what we started towards the end of last year. I think it should be a very successful year.