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Girls Basketball gets new coach

By: Shelly Capozzoli
Sports Editor

After years of being coached by Mr. Gleck Williams, the GM girls basketball team will be under new leadership this year, led by Mr. Rick Gudowski.

Gudowski, who teaches third grade at McKinley Elementary School in Erie, explains his reason for coaching. "I enjoy and have a passion for teaching basketball and enjoy working with student athletes," he said.

New coaching means a new coaching philosophy. "Our program will basically have five points of emphasis," explains Gudowski. "To play hard and compete all the time, play aggressive defense, be sound fundamentally, be unselfish, and be in great shape."

Response to the new coach has generally been positive. Hannah Walker, sophomore, said that with new coaching, "We're probably in better shape than we were...we have different drills." Walker also added that their ball handling and shooting are stronger.

Since Gudowski isn't familiar with individual talents yet, this year's starters remain undecided. To get to know the team, Gudowski has the team practicing basics in open gyms, according to senior guard, Halle Belosh.

Though Gudowski isn't familiar with individual talents yet, he said that the team's strong points are, "good attitude, enthusiasm, and unselfish play."

He also noted that defense and rebounding will be a major emphasis. Gudowski said, "I think we will be solid defensively as a team." Also, he said that they will not rely on just one individual to score most of the points, but they will have balanced scoring.

However, their major weakness is the team's overall small size. Belosh says, "Every team is just bigger than we are." Another weakness is the team's youth, according to Gudowski.

Both Gudowski and Belosh agree that Corry and Girard will be the hardest competition.

Belosh forecasts a positive season to come, especially since the team didn't lose any starters last year. In fact, the team will be assisted by outstanding underclassmen, like sophomores Julie Sedler and Ashley Hallett.

Team captains have not been officially picked, but Gudowski said that the two seniors, Belosh and Ashley Oleson, are likely choices.

Gudowski also believes the team will do well this year. He explained, "My staff and myself are very excited about the opportunity and challenges ahead. I believe if we work hard and improve every day we can do well in the league. We've set high goals for our team. We have an enthusiastic team with good attitudes."