Pictured is Jessica Ozuna
The Sr Waldron Lady Bulldogs have seen better games. After falling to Charleston last Friday 53-39 and then to Booneville 49-11 this past Tuesday night, some would say that the Lady Bulldogs just can’t hang with the big dogs in the 3A. That is far from the truth though. These Lady Bulldogs are doing what few programs have the chance to do which is face adversity as a young team.
With only three seniors (Rheagan Sanford, Kadance Espinoza, and Jessica Ozuna) on a twelve player roster, Waldron is forced to play with youth and inexperience. Many would see that as a downfall or handicap, but let’s look at the long haul. The Lady Bulldogs have three veterans who are leading by example each game. Those seniors are showing a never give up never quit attitude that the younger players need to learn. Practicing and playing in games with the seniors puts the younger players in real-life basketball scenarios that they will surely face in the future. Make no mistake, it is rough for these three seniors, but they still get out on the court in their final year as a Lady Bulldogs and bust their tails.
As for the younger players, they are soaking up every good and bad play made. They are watching their opponents closely so that they can adapt and overcome those particular opponents later on this season or next. Each and every game is a chance to gain more and more skills and knowledge of the game that, in their youth, they may not have yet. These ladies are not just hearing, but truly listening to their coaches and senior counterparts and soaking in every detail of information to make themselves and their program better. The younger Lady Bulldogs are moving forward. Period.
The coaches also have this as an opportunity to fine-tune their talent in the program. They can see how players adapt to situations and build them up from there. With some of the players having a year or two left in the Sr High program, coaches can develop them slowly but surely to become what type of players the program will need in the future.
No one likes to lose, but it’s how you handle the losses that make the overall difference. Kobe Bryant once said, “Everything negative, pressure or challenges, is an opportunity for me to rise”. Waldron is experiencing plenty of pressure and challenges, but you can bet your bottom dollar they are growing and opportunity is within their grasps. The (2-12) Lady Bulldogs will travel to Hackett on Friday, January 15 to take on the (0-11) Lady Hornets.
Photos courtesy of Sandy Tull
