The Carson City-Crystal girls basketball team is preparing for a significant transition this season, focusing on not just rebuilding but effectively restarting their program. Following the cancellation of last year’s varsity season due to low player numbers, the Eagles are poised to return to the court under new head coach Deo Winsor, who brings a wealth of coaching experience to the role.
This season marks a fresh beginning for the Eagles, characterized by a roster composed entirely of underclassmen. During a recent practice, freshman Crystal Coon showcased her skills, emphasizing the eagerness and enthusiasm within the team. Winsor noted, “They enjoy playing basketball. The not-so-good thing is they don’t have a lot of experience. With six freshmen, we’re going to take some lumps, but they all have good attitudes and they all work hard.”
New Leadership and Team Dynamics
Senior Cailyn Zemla expressed her excitement for the upcoming season, stating, “We just want to try and improve the program a lot this year.” Winsor, a graduate of Fulton, has an extensive coaching background, including ten years with junior high basketball. He also coached the seventh-grade girls team last year, which gives him insight into the skills and potential of the players he now leads.
Taking over the varsity position was a natural progression for Winsor, who reflects on the past seasons: “I had so much fun with the third and fourth graders that it really got the coaching juices flowing again.” His decision was also influenced by watching his granddaughter play, which highlighted the need for stability within the team.
Winsor has already established a rapport with his players, who he believes are responding positively to his coaching style. “They’ve enjoyed it so far, especially some of the drills I come up with,” he mentioned. The challenge ahead lies primarily in the lack of experience, a reality not lost on either Winsor or Zemla, who stated, “There’s going to be a lot more juniors and seniors that we’re going against.”
Building a Strong Foundation
Despite last season’s setbacks, the Eagles are not entirely inexperienced. They return four players from a junior varsity lineup, providing a core group that Winsor believes will help guide the younger players. “There’s definitely going to be some benefits to that,” he said, referring to the returning players as leaders who can help acclimate the newcomers.
Zemla, as the lone senior, aims to foster a supportive environment. “I want to try and be someone they’re not scared of,” she explained, highlighting her desire to build trust within the team. Winsor praised her leadership, noting that although she may not be the most vocal, her actions set a strong example.
Looking ahead, Winsor emphasizes improvement over winning. “I expect to see improvement throughout the season. That’s all,” he remarked. He has implemented focused drills to build the team’s skills, particularly in free throws and shooting. “We’re resetting a program,” he added, indicating a long-term vision for the Eagles.
As the competition schedule unfolds, the Eagles are ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead. While nervousness is expected, excitement also permeates the team. “I think that we’re all really nervous, which is to be expected,” Zemla noted. “I also think they’re all really excited and want to actually try and do some good things for us this year.”
With a commitment to teamwork and a focus on continuous improvement, the Carson City-Crystal Eagles are set for a season of growth, aiming to establish a robust foundation for future success. Winsor hopes that by the end of the season, observers will be impressed by the team’s progress, stating, “I think we’re going to be a rough program at the beginning, but I think by the end of the season, people are going to be impressed with what we’re going to do.”
