OAKWOOD CHRISTIAN LADY EAGLES
FULL COURT PRESS with head coach Kraig Givens
You have a number of games again this season against some GHSA programs in Walker County and some of the surrounding counties in northwest Georgia. What’s been the biggest benefit to your team playing some of these local GHSA teams over the past couple of years?
Givens: “I think being able to establish relationships has been the biggest benefit. It has helped connect the school with the community. From a basketball perspective, it has helped us to learn how to compete against some of the better competition we face in the league. It has also helped us to see where we actually are, competitively.”
SaveforExcelChristian,aformerGHSA school,you’vefacedmostoftheotherteams in your region many times over the last few years. How do you feel you match up with them headed into your third season in the GAPPS?
Givens: “I feel like we are in a good place to come out as the No. 1 seed again. Our biggest competition will probably be Unity Christian, who keeps getting better. A few of the other league schools have graduated a few that they won’t be able to make up for. I feel like even though we lost a lot from last year, we still were able to get even better this summer.”
What do you think the strength of this team is, or what do you think it could be by the time you reach the main part of the region schedule leading t o w ardthe tournament?
Givens: “Our strength this year is, for sure, the family atmosphere that has been created. On the court, I think our defense is the best it’s been.”
What is the key or keys to the season for your team?
Givens: “Our keys to success this year will be staying healthy and building confidence.”