Haxtun starts new season with new coaching staff & game plan

The Haxtun Lady Bulldogs are back in action on the hardwood as the 2022-23 basketball season is underway. Things kicked off with a home opener against Fleming last week and with an all new coaching staff, the 19-member team is learning a whole new game plan for the season ahead. The Lady Bulldogs are under the direction of Head Coach Alicia Schram and Assistant Coaches Dustin Seger and Casey Goddard.

Schram said the start to this year's season has been fast and furious. "Most coaching staffs get the summer with their athletes to implement offenses and defenses and grow as a family. Because we were notified of a coaching change so late in the game, we've only had 13 days to completely revamp the team with players in new positions, a new coaching staff, new offenses, defenses and new inbounds plays," she said. "We've thrown a lot at the girls, but they've come to practice every single day determined to make this a great season. We've done a lot of full court and conditioning work in the last couple of weeks, but have also implemented a lot of fun drills that allows us to build endurance. That's a goal of ours, to have them in basketball shape. We are using the first part of this season to find our groove - putting people in the right positions and growing as a team."

Schram was named head coach in late September, taking the lead role with the team after three seasons as an assistant coach with the Lady Bulldogs.

Haxtun battled on the court with the neighboring Lady Wildcats and at times pulled within reach of a victory but ultimately fell short 46-33.

Haxtun had two varsity players rack up double-digits in the scoring column in their first outing this season including junior Cassidy Goddard with 14 points and Bobbi Starkebaum with 10. Emily Anderson registered seven points against the Lady Wildcats followed by Samantha Seger and Grace Gibson, each with one point.

Starkebaum registered a double-double while pulling down 14 rebounds on Friday. She grabbed five on offense and nine on defense for the team high. Goddard brought down eight rebounds followed by Cassidy Goodwin with three and Seger, Anderson and Gibson, each with two.

"I think our girls played well for the first game of the year with a brand new game plan. One thing about them is that they never gave up," said Schram. "We came out in the second half and got within six points. I'm proud of them. We made it a goal to focus on energy this year. On the court, on the bench and from the coaches. We will continue to work on bringing energy to the court and correcting some fixable errors. The coaching staff is looking forward to seeing growth each game."

The Lady Bulldogs have a busy scheduled before the holiday break. This week's action kicked off on Tuesday with a match up in Perkins County, Neb. On Saturday, the varsity girls will be in action against the Lady Buffs at Caliche. There are no junior varsity contests against the Lady Buffs. Tip off will be at 4 p.m. The following week, Haxtun heads into a Holiday Tournament at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

"I am looking forward to seeing the girls grow each week. Not only as athletes, but as teammates and friends. It's amazing to see their eyes light up with the little things click. I look forward to those moments and cherish being able to celebrate those moments with the girls. Every single week, we will get better so that we can be playing our best basketball as we approach postseason," Schram said. "Each of the coaches on our staff brings something unique to the table and we can't wait to help make the girls the best they can be!"