Getting things done

Genoa Central Coach Richard McMillan didn’t get the chance to bond with his team as much as he would’ve liked last season, but he’s managed to find a silver lining in what transpired a year ago.

“I’ve really gotten a chance to see just how competitive these girls are,” he said. “We’ve got some talent. Just seeing the ability we have at multiple positions. Some of them are a little bit ahead of schedule. But the overall attitude and work ethic. … they’re just a really good group of kids.”

The Lady Dragons, who were the Class 3A runner-ups in 2019, were able to play a few games last year before the season was called because of the coronavirus pandemic. That team, however, was fairly inexperienced with just two seniors.

This year, Genoa Central (10-3, 3-2 3A-7) is still a bit young, but that hasn’t stopped McMillan’s crop from playing like veterans as of late.

The Lady Dragons have won their past five games by combined 72-15, including a 25-2 rout over Benton Harmony Grove last week. Genoa Central picked up a key 7-2 victory over Bismarck on Wednesday to take over sole possession of fourth place in the conference.

According to McMillan, the Lady Dragons are getting ample production from his quartet of freshman Callie Fike, sophomore Gracie Fowler, junior Josie Walls and senior Faith Green. He mentioned that all four have been hitting the ball well but also acknowledged it’s been a collective effort from the entire team that’s put Genoa Central in a good spot with the regular season winding down.

“I think everybody was ready to play from the start,” McMillan said. “They were all ready to get back to a sense of normalcy. Even though there’s still a lot going on as far as mandates here and there because some districts are different than others, when you step on the field it’s been more normal.

“But things haven’t been too shabby for us. We’re young so there’s some inconsistency at times, but we’re all excited to be out there playing.”