An Interview with Chris Ladd, NHS Girl’s Basketball Head Coach

What are the biggest strengths you’ve identified in this year’s roster, and how do you plan to build around them? 

Our biggest strength this year is our depth and leadership.  We have 5 seniors this year (Reese Mall, Brennan Rigsby, Sara Brakefield, Ella Claire Tharpe, and Kylee Mendoza) that have played in the program for 3 years.  They bring experience and mentorship to our younger players that is invaluable.  We also have 3 returning younger players (Nyla Johnson, Josie Ladd, and Addie Harris) that played significant minutes last year.  Nyla has already had offers and interest from several colleges and leads our team in several statistical categories.      

Which returning players have shown the most growth since last season, either on or off the court? 

All of our returning players have shown growth this year but if I had to pick one that seems to have grown the most, I would pick Brennan Rigsby.  She plays the PG position and has to hear a lot from her coach about leading the team on the court.  She has embraced the position and gives us a lot of energy and leadership and recently signed to play next year at Maryville College.  

How would you describe the team’s chemistry so far, and what steps are you taking to strengthen it? 

Team chemistry in my opinion is one of the most important ingredients for team success.  We currently seem to have a lot of good positive chemistry.  I am lucky to coach some great kids.  Our players seem to genuinely care for each other as people as well as teammates.  We are always on the look out for things to do together as a team to help foster that chemistry.  

Who are some under-the-radar players we should keep an eye on this year, and what do they bring to the team?

Our “under-the-radar” player this year is junior Addie Harris.  She has been a solid player the past 2 years but has continued to work on her skill set and I think she is primed to show up for us in some big moments this year.  

What are the main offensive and defensive philosophies you’re emphasizing with this group?

Our offensive philosophy is to play with pace and attack the paint.  Ideally, we want the ball to touch the paint first before we take an outside shot or we get a good early shot by pushing the ball up the floor before the defense sets up.  Defensively we want to make the other team take tough shots or make mistakes by providing pressure either in the full court or half court.

What challenges do you anticipate facing in your district this season, and how is the team preparing for them? 

Our district will be strong this year.  Franklin has a player that has signed with Missouri and Brentwood returns several players from a very good team last year.  Ravenwood is an up-and-coming team that is very young and will get better as the year goes progresses.  We hope to compete for the top spot but we know it will not be easy.

How are the younger players adapting to varsity-level competition, and what role do you expect them to play? 

I am very encouraged by our JV and Freshmen teams.  We have several that have the chance to dress and play in some varsity games this season.  Brooklyn Pring, Scarlett Spain, and Taylin Mosqueda are three that come to mind.

What goals—both performance-based and culture-based—have you set for the team this season?

Our goal each game is to play to our standard, no matter who our opponent might be.  Long term we hope to compete for a Region Title and make the state tournament.  We feel like we have enough talent to get there but it will just be a matter of playing our best when the time comes.