The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The Kopper Kweens are young, but coach Karen Clark likes what she has. "They're young and ready to learn," says Clark of her senior basketball squad. The team is made up of two Grade 12 players, one Grade 11, and 10 Grade 10 players. "They have a commitment to the game that any coach would be happy to have," Clark explains. While the team only has two Grade 12 players, Larissa Row and Mandy Bilquist are vital. "I expect leadership from both and for them to pick up rebounds under the hoop - giving second efforts," she says, of the post players. Clark intends to teach her team to play smart and hopes the players "individual skills will improve" as they learn the game. "We have to help the girls and teach them tricks - different things we've tried ourselves and different moves," Mandy explains during practice. Mandy will work with Larissa to lead this team, which she feels is good. "We've got lots of new players and people are picking things up quick," she says. "The best asset the team has is everybody is hardworking and gives an effort." Clark believes her team will be good defensively as they understand how to play the man. As for the offense, the goal is to shoot 50 times per game and Clark is hopeful that goal will lead to playing in the zones, which for these players, would be an important experience.
