by Matt Wright
After losing three starters off a good team last year Coach Candice McGuire, the Lady Lions basketball coach, didn’t know what to expect for the 2020-21 season. But Lakeland Prep has had a solid showing this year, currently sitting at 9-4 on the season. “I knew several girls would have to step up this year and they have.” Coach McGuire said.
Coach McGuire bragged on the leadership of the team saying, “this year’s varsity team is lead by three-year returning 8th grade players Campbell Funk, Kayla Taylor, Saylor Coleman, and Molly Magness. We’ve also added 8th graders Ava Russian and Sanaa Little to the team last year and Ashlyn Amerine and Raeleigh Rusk this year. 7th grader Maddie Doan completes the varsity team.”
The Lady Lions have seen tremendous production in the post from Campbell Funk and Kayla Taylor this season, even while facing opponents that are bigger and taller. Coach McGuire also said she’s been impressed with the growth of Saylor Coleman and Molly Magness. “Both have been vital to our success with their improved ball-handling and command of the court. To watch both of these ladies for the past three years and bear witness to how far they’ve come, is a great honor. Adding Raeleigh to the team this year has really strengthened our play.”
Coaching Together
Strong leadership also extends to the bench for the Lions. If you have been to a Lady Lions game since the school opened you’ve probably noticed the same assistant coach on the bench. Not everyone realizes that is Kris McGuire, the husband of Coach McGuire. Kris is not an employee of the school but still spends countless hours helping his wife coach the girls. This is their 4th year coaching together. Coach McGuire said, “give credit where credit is due. While his (Kris) title is ‘assistant coach’ he is just as involved in all aspects of making this program work as I am. His support is irreplaceable.”
Preparing For High School Basketball
With Lakeland Prep transitioning to high school sports in just a year and half preparing the younger ladies is also important to Coach McGuire. The current 6th and 7th grade girls will be the first junior and senior players on a high school basketball team. The McGuires also coach the JV team which consists of 3 sixth graders and 6 seventh graders. With one game remaining in their season, the team is 6-1 which shows promise for the future. It’s anticipated Lakeland Prep will be placed in Region 7 or Region 8 of AAA basketball for high school. That competition will be harder in high school, but Coach McGuire is excited to help prepare them for the future. “Next year will be strange not having all these 8th graders back. We are truly family and it’s like I’m sending my own off to high school. “ Coach McGuire continued saying, “I’m thankful they and their parents allowed me to be a part of their journey. I’m so proud of each of them and what their futures hold.”
