Carson High girls basketball coach Alana Williams likes what she sees in her team this season.
The Senators have a relatively young club as Williams begins her second year in her second tenure as Carson's coach. Carson has just three seniors and five players returning from last year's squad.
But the Senators still have a versatile blend of experience and youth. With size inside and quickness outside, Carson should be able to play any style. The Senators' success will depend a great deal on how fast their players up from junior varsity adjust to varsity.
"They're very athletic," Williams said. "We've got a lot of dimensions we can look at. It's just a matter of getting everybody educated to varsity play. There's a big difference between junior varsity and varsity."
Carson returns its two post players, junior Nicole Scott and senior Andrea Hoff, along with seniors Sarah Johnston and Kelly Weyrick and junior Rosalia Nunez. "I expect a lot of my five returners," Williams said.
The Senators are also faced with the task of replacing three four-year varsity players in Katie Kotter, point guard Ciarra Christian and Tabitha Adams.
"Katie, Tabitha and Ciarra were excellent players," Williams said. "They'll be difficult to replace."
The task of replacing Christian could fall on several players. Carson has several players who can handle the ball and play point, including Johnston, Nunez and sophomore Kaitlin Burroughs and freshman Christy Works.
Other guards include sophomore Anna Macquarie, freshman Hannah Works and Weyrick, who can play inside or outside.
Other post players include juniors Breanna Dodge, Alex McAlman, Sinead McSweeney and Sondra McAlman, another player who can play inside or outside.
Williams said it's been a tough beginning to the season with the deaths of sisters Cassie and Jessica Welch, who were killed in an automobile accident. Many of the Carson players knew the two girls, who were athletes at Spanish Springs.
"It's been very difficult for them at this point," Williams said. "They've been through a lot.
"To go through all that emotional trauma, it's been very difficult for them. I can't imagine what it's like at Spanish Springs. It's got to be horrible over there."
Carson will open the season on Tuesday, Nov. 30 at McQueen and will again host its own tournament in December.
Since the NIAA 4A State Tournament is being held in Las Vegas this season, only one Northern 4A team will advance to state. Williams said the goal is always to advance to state. "It will be difficult to accomplish," Williams said.
Among the usual powers in the Northern 4A again should include Reno High, Douglas, Galena and Reed.
"They're the obvious ones, but there are always darkhorses," Williams said. "I don't think anybody can be overlooked. I think it will be a dog fight every day."
Charles Whisnand is the Nevada Appeal Sports Editor. Contact him at cwhisnand@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1214.
