It already seems just like old times again for the Carson High girls basketball program.
Alana Williams, one of the most successful girls basketball coaches in Nevada state history, has returned to take over the girls hoops program at CHS. Williams replaces the retiring Paul Croghan, who served as the Senators' girls basketball coach the past seven years. It was Croghan who replaced Williams.
Before stepping down, Williams led the Carson girls to six state titles (1983-85, 88-90) during her first tenure.
Williams has already been working with the girls now in the Carson program for a little more than a week now, preparing for the summer league.
"Watching a lot of the games, you just miss it," said Williams about why she came back.
Williams said she likes what she sees. "I think it's a great group of girls," she said. "I'm excited. I think that these girls are extremely talented.
"I think that Paul has done a really good job with them. They work hard, they listen real well. I'm just very pleased with what I've seen so far. I really like their intensity, their enthusiasm."
Williams said she has a good nucleus to work with to continue the success the program has had under her and Croghan. She also acknowledged that it won't be easy, noting how strong girls basketball has become in Northern and Southern Nevada. But she added, "I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Centennial has won the past two NIAA 4A state titles. "It's going to be real difficult getting it back up to the north," said Williams about the state crown.
Her team should be able to play the style she wants, Williams said -- whatever style that may be.
"I think they have the ability to run up and down the floor and play good hard nosed defense," Williams said.
Her team's style of play will depend on the opponent, Williams said. She said depending on the opponent, there will be times when her team will want to play up tempo, will want to press and there will be times when "you might want to change the tempo of the game."
Williams style of coaching should match the style of her team's play, she said.
"I would say that I'm intense," Williams said. "Basically I like to win."
Along with intensity, Williams said she will also stress that her team be in shape. "I think that conditioning is very important," she said.
