New School, New Gym, New Coach
J. C. Tilton
Dixie's Lady Greyhounds have a new school, a gym, and a new coach for the 2004-2005 season. Coach Money will be replacing Rochelle Meinking who is now an assistant coach for the woman's basketball program at Sinclair Community College. Although this is his first year as varsity coach, Money is a familiar face to many of the girls as he has turned around Dixie's fast pitch softball program and hopes to duplicate this success on the hardwood.
When asked about the strengths of this team Coach Money immediately replied, “Chemistry - the girls get along already and have a high work rate, there is a lot of hustle on the court. They are working really hard and getting into shape.” There are some area's that need work. “We have some young players that have to develop really fast.” When asked about what he hopes to improve coach Money replied, “We are competing against perfection. Always vying for a perfect performance.” He then got more specific stating that the girls are “trying to communicate better and adjusting to new looks and a new system.
Dixie is returning the following players, “Jessie Dunn, Amanda York, Randi Salyer, Rebecca Cloth, Kari Thomas Ashley Bates.” The team has not been able to sit down and form any team goals at this time. But Coach Money had two goals that he pushes for any team that he coaches, “1. Get a sense of what it's all about, it's not all about how you can light up a scoreboard. There is so much more than you learn. 2. Would like to get to state. It's a tough road. But it has been a long time since a Dixie has been there.” He acknowledged that the SWBL has some good teams in it but that, “We respect all but fear no one”. And maybe playing with no fear is what it will take to get Dixie on the path to state.
The new Dixie gym looks great - it is at the West end of their new high school. For those who have not been there yet, the new School is behind the old one - to the East. There are a few last minute details that need to be taken care of - a cage to protect the scoreboard for instance. But it is a full length court and there is plenty of seating capacity. As a photographer I noticed that the lighting is excellent and is a ‘natural light' similar to UD arena. Be sure to be on hand when the new “Hound Pound” is opened.
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