By Gabe Perry
Staff writer
IG: gabep_24
The Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball team has started the season off hot with a 10-0 record, coming off a NJCAA national championship last season.
The Blue Dragons are focusing on one game at a time, while also understanding that there is a proverbial target on their backs.
“We do feel a different pressure this year being the last year’s national championship team,” sophomore Jada Pleasant said. “However we try not to think about it because that season’s over and this is an entirely new team. Of course, we have the same goal but our coaches never let us forget to take it one game at a time.”
With some key sophomores on last year’s team moving on, some roles and big opportunities have opened up.
Pleasant has been one to step into one of them. Her average minutes have increased by over 14 per game, and is averaging about four points more this season.
“I think my role has changed a lot since last year because I watched the sophomores as well as my other teammates in practice, games, and film every day so I learned a lot. From learning how to be a leader on and off the court, what to work on for my individual skill set, as well as how to be more coachable,” Pleasant said.
Another sophomore who has stepped up into a bigger role is Kahlen Norris. Her average minutes have increased by about six per game and is averaging three more points than last year.
“I would say my role has changed significantly, especially with being a returning sophomore. Additionally, coming off the bench last year to now starting, more is expected from me,” Norris said.
Both Norris and Pleasant mentioned how their approach has played a huge role in this change.
“My mindset has changed, because now I had to fill the shoes of being a leader,” Norris said. “I have to be locked in every practice, game, or film session we have because I know my coaches have high expectations for me.”
“I’ve had to adjust my mindset with just being more mentally locked in to the practices and games and just trying to get 1% better each day. Having a supportive and uplifting team really helps on the hard days because it makes me remember I’m a part of something bigger than myself and it always pushes me to go harder,” Pleasant said.
