DECATUR — DECATUR -- After a heartbreaking 2013-14 season, the Lady Bulldogs are pumped, primed and ready for the 2014-15 basketball schedule, thanks to the unwavering support of their coach, Bill Niven.
Last year's dismal season was a bitter pill to swallow for Niven and the Lady Dogs. The brightest spot in that season came when they defeated Eureka Springs during the district playoffs in Eureka Springs. However, because the team lacked sufficient numbers to continue, the Lady Bulldogs had to withdraw from the tournament.
In the past, Niven has struggled to recruit players for the girls' basketball program. He was, however, able to bring in several new players, some with little to no basketball experience, that are willing to put forth time and dedication for the program.
"We have a lot better numbers then we have had in the past," Niven said. "I have a lot more kids dressing out, and that is a good thing."
"I think we will be more competitive than we have been in the past," Niven continued. "Defensively, we will play a little better. Offensively, we are still struggling to shoot the ball. This is an area we have to keep working and improving on."
With any new team, starting out with the basic knowledge of the game and building into a competitive team takes time, especially when dealing with players new to the sport. It can be frustrating at times, but the end result is players with the commitment and understanding of the game.
"We are still behind in some areas as far as the fundamental skills," Niven said. "The kids are working hard. If they work hard and get after it, I can take whatever comes."
With the loss of three-year starters and team leaders Hannah Ramsey and Brittney Frost -- both graduated in May -- Niven has searched for and found two players that promise to drive the team in the direction he wants.
"We only have two seniors this year, Lacy Barrett and Jackie Vargas," Niven said. "They do a good job as far as keeping things moving. They are good leaders."
Niven admits that over the past several years the Lady Bulldogs have struggled to keep up with the faster, more aggressive teams in the 2A 4 West conference. But he plans on changing his strategies this season to keep up with stronger teams in league.
"We are going to try to speed things up a little bit and maybe try to get more shots," Niven said. "It just depends on if our guards can handle it. We will go as fast as our guards will let us go."
Niven's outlook for the coming Decatur Lady Bulldog basketball season is simple.
"You don't count your successes by wins or loses but how you improve over the season. Are you better than you were last year? Are you better than you were last week? Are you better than you were yesterday?" Niven said. "That"s what determines a great team."
The Lady Dogs begin the 2014-15 season Nov. 10 when they travel east to play in the Green Forest Tournament. Their first home game is scheduled for Nov. 25 when Fayetteville's Haas Hall Academy travels to Peterson Gym in Decatur. Game time is 5:30 p.m.
No matter which way the 2014-15 girls basketball season goes, Niven is riding high on the abilities of his team. That makes his job easier and more enjoyable.
"I am having more fun coaching this year than I have had in the last three or four years because they are more together and working at it, and that is all a coach needs," Niven said.
Sports on 11/12/2014