If there’s a commonality for both of Concord High’s basketball programs this winter, it’s that they both want to prove to themselves that last season is a thing of the past.
The Crimson Tide collectively won only seven games last season – all from the girls’ team – but after an abnormal schedule, COVID shutdowns and an inability to form cohesion as a result of the shutdowns, the upcoming 2021-22 season contains a lot of hope that normalcy can be a stable factor.
Girls’ coach Tim LaTorra returns two key players to his roster in Elizabeth Blinn and Elli Cox. The two seniors head into their final season as four-year starters and will be instrumental in achieving success this season. Listed as 6-foot-2 and 5-foot-8, respectcively, Blinn and Cox provide a vertical advantage that will help the Tide.
Blinn and Cox aren’t alone as returning starters, however. Rose Layton, Olivia Crawford, Delaney Duford and Sofia Payne all have started in LaTorra’s system.
With an abundance of returning experience, LaTorra thinks the intangible factors will be the driving force this season.
“Some of the strengths that stick out early on is our leadership, our balance, and our intensity and willingness to defend,” he said.
Those buzzwords of leadership and intensity can be just that at times – buzzwords. But with a team that returns two four-year starters and a cast of others who received heavy minutes, those characteristics become more than just words. Also, a noted portion of that quote is the willingness to defend.
In an era where offense is everything and the ability to score points in any fashion at any time is important, an acclaimed willingness to buckle down and clamp down on opposing offenses can create a unique identity for Concord.
There will be somewhat of a learning curve for bench players as the Tide will dress five sophomores. With the total roster having just 10 players, minutes management will be critical for LaTorra.
“Our biggest weakness will be our depth. With 10 players on the varsity roster, we will have to get everyone up to speed with the things we want to try to do,” he said.
The girls’ team will get its first test of the season when it travels to Pinkerton for the season opener on Friday. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Similarly to the girls, the Crimson Tide boys’ squad will also bring back a unique blend of experience and youth as well as a focus toward the defensive end of the game.
Concord lost two key guards in Ivan Yen and Gumme Mbata, who transferred to Bishop Brady, but it does return starter Anthony Brock and a good-sized senior class of five players.
The Tide had a winless campaign last season but look to steer the program back into a good spot with a return to fundamentally sound basketball in all phases of the game. Third-year coach Jimmy Thorpe likes the energy that surrounds his program heading into the winter, and he could see something special happening this season with what he has.
“We have experienced upperclassmen and some exciting new talent, as well,” he said.
“So far, we look fast and athletic and what we lack in height, we hope to make up for with speed and smarts and a defensive focus.”
With five seniors and a team looking to prove something not only to the rest of the division but to themselves, Concord’s players could make some noise if it all goes well.
The Concord boys get their first chance to take the floor on Friday with both its season and home opener as it hosts Pinkerton. Tip-off is slated for 6:30 p.m.