By: Morgan Humphrey
The Salem Lady Lions basketball team is under new leadership this year, with returning head coach Wade Tomlinson. This is coach Tomlinson’s 31st year coaching. He has previously been an assistant, middle school and head coach.
The Lady Lions are a team of 11 girls, but they play with heart and grit on the court. When asked about his thoughts on a team of 11, Tomlinson said, “(It’s) surprisingly a common problem in Southern Indiana.”
He said he was shocked because the Lady Lions had more players than the team they scrimmaged and more players than Mitchell in their first game.
Abby Maynard is the only senior this year; she has played all throughout high school and middle school.
“It’s really mixed emotions, I'm happy to be the leader of the team, but I also will have the most pressure put on me,” she said.
When asked what he was looking forward to this year, Tomlinson said, “I like being part of a team and getting to know your players, and the relationships you forge last forever.”
Maynard said, “I’m looking forward to all of us getting better not only individually, but also as a team.”
Tomlinson said even though middle school and high school are different, he does not plan to implement any major changes. He spent many years coaching with former head coach Jerry Hickey, so they had similar styles.
“The team is still finding their strengths and will continue to find them throughout the season,” Tomlinson said. “We lost 13 girls; seven of those were seniors.”
When asked how he plans to increase numbers for the Lady Lions, Tomlinson said, “We will have things for the younger kids this summer, we have classes coming that have some talent. In two years, numbers will trend upwards.”
The Lady Lions are currently 1-3, but they leave everything on the court at the end of the game.
“Basketball is a sport that needs communication,” said Maynard. “By creating all of these bonds throughout the years, it helps on the court tremendously. I’ve made some of my best friends through basketball.”
The girls next game is Friday at Eastern High School. Junior Varsity will start at 6:00 p.m. with varsity to follow.