Head coach Susan Nunn enters the 2021-2022 basketball season with some unknowns on her varsity roster.
The Gilmer High Lady Cats graduated four starters off last season’s state tournament team, and much of the offseason was spent filling those vacant spots.
Two-time all-state performer and 1,000-point scorer Elly Callihan returns to the post. Also back this year is letter winner Lark Reece. Along with Callihan, they are the program’s only seniors.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever lost so many players at once who were impactful,” Nunn said. “We lost four, but they were impactful for several years. It’s hard to replace one really good player and to replace four is tough.”
Nunn started to piece the team together over the summer and put them through their paces in exhibitions.
“We got a lot of games in this summer, and we do have so many new kids this year, so it was a great opportunity for them to kind of get the speed of how we play and get some plays in,” Nunn said.
“We played some good teams. We probably started out slowly, but by the end of the summer, I was really pleased by how they were coming along. I’ve been very pleased with my two seniors by how the looked and how they led.”
By the time official practice started in October, 19 players reported. Intensity was ratcheted up with the season looming and the need to gel.
“Games happen so quickly these days. It used to be where you had a couple extra weeks of practice time. You kind of have to get to that game speed very early and get in shape very early. We’ve got to have a lot of things happening on the floor that are full court at full speed. At the same time, you try to find enough time to get in plays offensively and defensively and press and press breaks to feel like you’re ready for the first game.
“It’s a lot to get in and overwhelming at times, especially for the young girls. It’s a process with so many young girls, but I definitely think we’re going to get there.”
With that learning curve, Nunn believes it may take this group of players until late December before they resemble where the program was at the start of last season.
“I’m absolutely pleased with their progression,” Nunn said. “Our two seniors have been surprised and pleased with how some of the younger girls are coming along and stepping up. I only have one or two juniors who got varsity playing time last year, but they’re coming along.”
Aside from Callihan, Reece gives GHS another veteran presence who will have to handle more of the scoring this year.
“Lark was a big part of our season last year. She is probably my player who is best at that midrange shot. She’s got a really good groove when she’s doing that, and I feel like she’s going to be very successful for us this year,” Nunn said.
Nunn expects juniors Charley Poteet, Anna Waddell, Brooke Wilson and Maddie Wright to fill out the remaining starting spots. Freshman Aliza Chastain and sophomore Alaina Miltiades should see some court time as well.
“Charley and Brooke are the two who got the most playing time last year. Brooke, in particular, was looking good at the end of the season and was getting a good bit of time in the post. She will be a big component this year for sure,” Nunn said.
“Charley is our starting point guard, and she’s really stepped up. I’ve been amazed at some of the new things she’s attempting and where she’s going.”
Nunn noted the Cats are not as fast as years past and may not push the pace as diligently as before. Callihan is the team’s best perimeter shooter, and she will have an expanded role in the offense.
“Everyone we played last year is going to be saying, ‘We’re gonna double down on Elly and keep her from getting the ball.’ I know just by looking at her, she’s ready to play and step up and be our leader. She was our leading scorer last year. I feel like she knows her role and is ready to get even tougher this year.
“One thing we’re doing this year, is she’s going to play guard a little bit. I think that will help her as she goes on to the next level.”
GHS has been no stranger to playing man defense but zone might be Nunn’s preferred method early in the season.
“We’ll probably play a little more zone this year until my new guards get that pace of what it takes to play out front in our region. Our ultimate goal is to be a man-defense team, which you have to be if you want to get to that next level and play in state tournaments,” said Nunn.
“We’re going to get there, and we’re working on some of those components right now.”
Nunn expects defending region champion Lumpkin County, plus North Hall and White County to be the top teams the Cats will battle for a state playoff spot.
GHS started the season last Saturday at the ETC/Piedmont Mountainside Tip-off Tournament and fell to Pickens, 56-50.
The Lady Cats met Fannin after Monday’s press deadline. GHS ended the event Tuesday against Copper Basin, Tenn.