DECATUR -- It's time for Lady Bulldog basketball and Decatur welcomes new girls' head and assistant coaches to the program this season.
Ashley Riggles assumed the top spot when Jeff Melton was moved to be assistant boys' basketball coach in August. This is the first head coaching job for Riggles, who is excited about the prospects for the upcoming season.
"I'm a little nervous about my first head coaching job," Riggles said. "But with the talent that I have and the help from my new assistant, Tajhe Turner, I believe we will have a winning season."
Riggles is no stranger to the sport, having played four years for the Greenland Pirates. After high school, Riggles attended Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, where she received a degree in education. While at SAU, Riggles played on the Muleriders, an NCAA Division II basketball program. Riggles' experience as a college athlete should prove valuable in her new coaching position and in being a mentor for the Decatur program.
In addition to her coaching duties, Riggles also teaches seventh-grade math and science at Decatur Middle School.
Missing this season is Desi Meek who, over the course of the last several seasons, has been the foundation the Lady Bulldogs were built upon. Meek decided to concentrate her efforts on the track program and cheer team. But Riggles is fortunate to have a group of very talented sophomores and juniors that can fill the void left by Meek's decision.
"We are lucky that everybody on the team is pretty equal in their abilities," Riggles said. "Right now we are having the girls focus on their attitudes as well as putting in extra effort at shooting."
Part of Riggles' starting lineup consists of a senior, a junior and two sophomores with a combination of talent which has been visible in the preseason practices.
"Right now, I have four girls that are putting in extra effort," said Riggles. "Sammie Skaggs, Abby Tilley, Deysi Rubi and Jacqueline Hernandez are the ones that are coming in early, staying late and coming in on Sunday afternoon. This extra time will be a real asset for the team this year."
One area of concern for Riggles is the fans. Over the last several seasons, fan participation has dropped. The cause -- failure to win games -- is something Riggles plans on changing.
"The girls will benefit more when people come out and show their support," Riggles concluded. "When your friends, family and the community are in the stands cheering the team on and the kids know they are watching, they will play harder."
A complete schedule of Decatur Lady Bulldog basketball games is included in this week's paper under the Decatur boys' basketball article.
Sports on 11/08/2017