Langdon: Depth is the biggest difference this year

Kaylyn Couch of Cloverdale puts up a shot over the defense at a CHS practice Wednesday. (Banner Graphic/JAY LOCKETT)

CLOVERDALE -- The Cloverdale girls' basketball team has had some successes in in the regular season in past years but has struggled to make .500 and has been knocked out of the sectional round by South Putnam three out of the last four years.

This year the Clover team is younger and according to coach Matt Langdon is excited to get the season underway.

"This year we have a really good mix of experience and youth," Langdon said. "There are nine freshmen on the team this year, the most we have had since I have been coaching here."

Kaylyn Couch of Cloverdale (white) tries to penetrate the Cloverdale defense during a Wednesday practice. Annika Whitlock tries to forces Couch outside. (Banner Graphic/JAY LOCKETT)

Langdon said Cloverdale will be taking advantage of the bigger group by getting girls as much playing time as possible either on varsity, JV or both.

The Clover underclassmen include Kiley Shedron, Lauren Meek and Abby Walker, all of whom played significant time on varsity last season. They were on a CHS team who took on Greencastle in the Putnam County Tournament Championship game.

Langdon said these players and their varsity experience could prove advantageous when combined with the younger players who will be looking to make a difference where ever they can.

Cloverdale's Abby Walker tries to get around her teammate Payton Dorsett Wednesday as other Clovers fight to get open during practice. (Banner Graphic/JAY LOCKETT)

"It's a deep freshmen group that enjoys the game and is eager to improve," Langdon said. "We have many young girls that will be getting experience on both the JV and varsity teams. Our sophomores and juniors are ready to step up and take a bigger role on the varsity team."

Cloverdale will also be bringing back four seniors, Haley Hamm, Payton Dorsett, Angela Pieper and Mariah Huge, to take the place of three players lost to graduation, including Bailey Stevens, the 2013 Putnam County Player of the Year. Each of the seniors has seen multiple minutes on the floor and by now know what to expect from Langdon.

"We have four seniors this year that all have varsity experience," Langdon said. "Some have played meaningful varsity minutes since their sophomore year. They are eager to become the leaders of this team."

Langdon said early this year several players have a chance to play on varsity due to many talented players ready to compete for spots.

"The biggest difference from last year is the overall depth of both teams," he said. "Last year we had a lot of positions set going into the first week of games but this year many positions are still up for grabs. This has helped our practices become much more competitive. Girls know they are competing for positions and minutes for each game."

Such competition in the Cloverdale practices should come in handy for CHS as Landon is planning an up-tempo offense that will want to use quickness to overcome opponents this season.

"We are going to try and use our speed and athleticism to create turnovers on the defensive end and push the ball anytime we get a chance," Langdon said. "Hoping added pressure on the defensive end will create more easy opportunities on the offensive end."