LONDON — With one lone senior last season, South Laurel coach Chris Souder had hopes his young Lady Cardinals would improve as the season progressed and make a run during postseason play.
His players didn’t let him down.
South Laurel advanced to the 50th District finals before giving eventual 13th Region champion North Laurel a run for its money in the region semis before falling, 67-63.
Led by some of the best young talent in the region, Souder has hopes of his Lady Cardinals making even more noise this season.
“Last season, we started really slow and only having the one senior in Emily Cox, it really just took us time to figure out what was best for our team,” he said. “Our goal was to be dangerous come tournament time and we felt like our kids really bought in and we became a tough out for sure. We hope that can carry over into this season. As young as we were last season, we are younger this season.
“We are always excited about our team and being so young you can’t help but think the future is bright,” he added. “Our summer was good but summer ball is very different, so you are never quite sure if it will carry over. This will be another season that it will take us awhile for our team to gel and figure out roles.”
Souder had numerous starting line-ups throughout last season, and he believes it could turn out to be the same this season.
He’s got numerous talented players he is looking at in Aubrey Bundy, Shelbie Mills, Maci Messer, Skeeter Mabe, Jamie Buenaventura, Sydney Blanton, Emma Adams, Kylie Smith, Callie Jones, Kenna Andes, Shelby Smith, Khloe Osbourne, Ryleigh Bretz and foreign exchange student Beth Garrido.
“I think Aubrey surprised some people last year being so small but this kid is fearless,” Souder said. “She has improved her outside shooting over the summer as well along with just more overall confidence. Shelbie is a classic gym rat, who loves the game and plays with that same passion. The experience Shelbie got last year will pay big dividends this season.
“Maci busted into the starting lineup last season and really excelled,” he added. “Maci is very versatile and will also benefit from all the experience she got last season. Skeeter will once again play every position on the floor for us this season.
“Jamie is our only junior and last year, she really came on late and can really score the ball,” Soidsr continued. “Syd just needs confidence, and the belief that she is as good as anyone on our team. She is another really versatile kid. Emma has really worked hard and can really fill it up if she gets hot. We also have a host of really talented middle school girls that could, and should, see significant varsity minutes.”
Even though his team is young, grade-wise, Souder said he does have some experienced players returning.
“Jaylen Smith, who was coming off ACL surgery and was doing great and was clearly our leader,” he said. “Jaylen suffered another injury and is lost for the season. This was a tremendous blow for our team and leadership has been our mantra from day one and now we felt without her it is going to be by committee. So think about this, we have one junior, one sophomore, and the rest are seventh, eighth, and ninth graders that we will be depending on.”
Souder believes depth will be a strength of his team come March. He also said shooting the ball, and team speed are strengths, too
His main concern his how young his team is. “We have no seniors, so where is the leadership going to come from,” he asked. Also rebounding could be a concern. We don’t have a lot of size.”
Souder mentioned keys to success being staying healthy while having a quick learning curve for his younger girls.
“Just how well we can gel and once again where will the leadership come from,” he said.
The Lady Cardinals will be challenged early and often. Souder put together a slate that opens the season at home against defending 13th Region champion North Laurel, and it doesn’t get any easier after the season-opener.
“As usual, our schedule is unforgiving, so our kids will have to grow up quick,” Souder said. “But I like it this way. You have to play the best to be the best. We won’t shy away from anyone.”
South Laurel also plays in one of the toughest districts in the 13th Region.
Corbin looks to contend for its second region title in three years while Whitley County, and Williamsburg look to be improved.
“Hopefully, we can get in the position to contend for the district championship,” Souder said. “Corbin will be the team to beat and we won’t overlook Whitley or Williamsburg.
“We hope by end of February and March, we can be in the mix,” he added. “We hope to be the team that by March everyone says, ‘I don’t want to play them.’ We are excited about this team. We just have to be patient and, stay the course, and be ready at tournament time.”
