Young players to lead Lady Red Devils in absence of seniors

Coach Wesley Kuhn said the young, inexperienced Atkins Lady Red Devils have no seniors and no returning starters, so they will need to mature quickly. He said he is worried about finding leadership but is confident it will develop. “This year’s group is young and inexperienced,” Kuhn said. “They got very little playing time last year as sophomores, so that will probably hurt. We are going to have to grow up fast.” Atkins posted a 4-20 record a year ago. The team would like to go to the tournament this year for a chance to make a run for state. But the team needs to exercise patience in the early going. The season may start off rocky, but once the team comes together and leaders emerge, the team could win games down the stretch, Kuhn said. Haley Lyle is the assistant coach for the team. Ale Handle will anchor the paint with size, strength and toughness, Kuhn said. Rebounding and inside defense will be instrumental for the team to have success. Tori Pack is an improved shooter from a year ago and should be the team’s go-to outside player. If she can sink shots while Handle keeps defenders from giving too much help, the team could open big holes in opposing defenses, the coach said. Kuhn believes the team will have a better season this year. “This is the first year this junior class has had the same coach two years in a row since seventh grade,” Kuhn said. “So I think that has to be our biggest strength.” But it all comes back to the team’s need for leadership and experience. “No seniors — that could be our weakness this year, by just not having that leadership,” Kuhn said. “I think that the leadership will develop toward the end of the year, however.” Dover and Perryville are the games to watch for the team this year, the coach said. Dover is a rivalry game, and Perryville is Kuhn’s alma mater. He said “that always adds a little fire.” Pottsville, dubbed the toughest matchup of the season by Kuhn, is expected to make a repeat appearance in the 4A state-title game this year, he said. But all of the games could be tough with the dearth of experience the team has, the coach said. The early and middle parts of the season could test the Lady Red Devils’ will. If they can stay positive through early hardship, they could set themselves up for a great 2018-19 season. Ale Handle is tabbed as a college prospect by the coach because of her stature and power in the paint. If the Lady Red Devils can keep the fire going to the end of the season, they should end up besting their record from a year ago. Expect young leaders to emerge, Kuhn said.