The Gilmer High Lady Cats spent the summer improving and honing their basketball skills.
David Dowse is entering his second season at the helm, and the program was able to hit the ground running in June after much of last summer was spent installing his system and getting acquainted with his new players.
“I love our team,” Dowse said. “They’re fun, they’re talented, they’re great. It’s not easy, and June is no different (than the regular season). You’ve got to have thick skin, and I’m going to tell you like it is, and it’s not always going to be a whisper. They don’t always like it, but they handle it, they listen and they’re getting better. My assistants (Travis Sanderson, Chris Berry and Emma Callihan) are awesome.”
The Cats were in their gym for a week and a half, and GHS players were on the court by 6:45 a.m. “Breakfast club” started the day at 7 a.m., which also included middle schoolers. The offensive skill session focused on shooting, dribbling and finishing. After around 90 minutes, middle school players were dismissed, and GHS players returned to the court. The latter session included more five-on-five play to get the Cats up to speed.
Dowse noted things have gone more seamlessly this summer.
“Last year, it was all about install and seeing what we’re good at and what we’re not good at,” he said. “We got our basic stuff in so we weren’t starting from scratch come October. This summer, our stuff’s already in, and our goal was to get better skill-wise. That’s the purpose behind breakfast club. We wanted to go and play the best teams we could play and get some experience, especially for this ninth-grade group that will see some significant varsity time. Our goal was to play a lot more games and get some continuity and some chemistry.”
When it came time for exhibitions, the Cats faced no shortage of quality teams. Fifteen of the Cats’ 17 opponents on the summer qualified for their respective state’s playoffs.
Through the first wave of scrimmages, notable wins were secured versus state champions Lakeview Academy (47-42), Elite 8 participants Rabun County (46-42), Chestatee (62-21) and Dalton (57-52), as well as Final Four qualifier Model (48-40).
The Cats made their way to Wofford University and more wins over playoff teams followed. Gilmer toppled South Carolina’s Riverside (32-30) and Daniel (51-32), and both programs reached the Elite 8 last season. Summerville, the Palmetto State’s runner-up, lost to the Cats, 40-38. Gilmer downed state runner-up North Wilke, N.C., 44-42, as well as Virginia’s Sweet 16 qualifier Abingdon, 48-37.
“We played some really good teams and have done really well,” Dowse said. “Some of them have grown and gotten so much stronger. (Junior) Jace (Sanderson) is a monster out there right now. (Freshman) Makenna Taylor adds a whole nother element because of her ability to shoot, her high basketball IQ and she’s a great passer. (Sophomore) Morgan Palmeri has gotten infinitely better.
“(Senior) Bree Burnette is our little bulldog, ands she’s gotten better as a point guard. Her, along with Makenna and (freshman) Ally Phillips, they can fill that role. (Senior) Chelsey Griggs has also turned it up a notch. She’s the one who really makes us go. When she really turns it up, we’re pretty darn good.”
Dowse added, “We play a little differently scheme-wise. Pace-wise, we get out in transition much better this year so we’re a little bit faster. Our possessions will probably be shorter because we have some kids who can create a little more. Of course, this is all without (senior) Paula (Robertson who is recovering from an injury). We hope to have her back in October.”
Gilmer closed out its summer schedule yesterday.