Improvement expected in coach’s second season
Second-year Jacksonville girls coach Marian Kursh said she is trying to build a program the right way. A year ago, the Lady Titans won only 12 games and went 4-10 in league play. “It was definitely a learning experience,” she said. “I wish I had more time with those seniors. We had a good time last year. It was a good year. A learning experience is the best way I could sum it up.” The Lady Titans return four players who will see significant time this season. They started at different points during the 2016-17 season. They are sophomore Shymaryia Christopher, senior Shatorria Briggs, junior DeShundria Shockley and junior Sharonda Perry. “They know my system. They know what I want. They know how I like to run practice,” Kursh said. “We had a lot of ninth-graders last year. I wasn’t the only voice. The coaches weren’t the only voices on the floor. That has helped out tremendously, helping the others get accustomed to what we’re doing.” Kursh said all four of those players are quick on the floor. “All of them ran track for me,” she said. “That is another major key. They got a year with us. They’ve retained the information.” Defensively, Kursh is all about her team getting stops. “Essentially, that is what defense is,” she said. “Defense is going to take time. With this being our second year, just trying to break habits, then teaching the new ones coming in, we’re not where I’d like us to be or what I’m accustomed to. We’re getting there.” Offensively, Kursh wants the Lady Titans to play uptempo. “We want to push it up the floor when the opportunity is available,” she said. “If not, we want to be patient in the half-court setting.” Kursh said she thinks the team can exceed last year’s record and get to the Class 6A state tournament. “The girls I have now, they had to compete against the seniors last year day in and day out,” she said. “They are hungry to do better and to excel. I think they will have a chance to compete. We’ll prepare them the best that we can, the best we know how.” Jacksonville will open the season Nov. 7 at perennial Class 7A power North Little Rock. “Everybody knows about North Little Rock,” Kursh said. “I think it’s going to be a good opportunity for [my team] to see what a traditional program looks like, which is what we’re working toward. It’s going to be a process.” Kursh said Sylvan Hills and Maumelle are two schools that Jacksonville always has a good game with. Sylvan Hills is in proximity to Jacksonville, and Maumelle is coached by former Jacksonville girls coach William Rountree. Jacksonville plays at Sylvan Hills on Jan. 5 and at home Feb. 15. The Lady Titans host Maumelle on Jan. 9, then travel there Jan. 30. Jacksonville will also host the Titan Classic on Dec. 18 and 19. Teams invited include Little Rock Central, Van Buren and Conway. “That should be a good holiday lineup,” Kursh said. “My goal is that we get better and are ready for conference play.”