Juelfs, Sharman, work ethic leading Lady Coyotes hoops so far

Most people would say that it's far too early to try to tell the fortune of a basketball team after just two games. In all actuality, it probably is.

But over its first two games of the season – convincing wins against Sedgwick County and Banner County – the Potter-Dix Lady Coyotes have played about as well as a Class D-1 high school girls' team can play. The team is only 2-0 but there are quite a few things that are impressive about this squad--one of those being its play despite its youth.

The Lady Coyotes are one of the younger teams in the MAC conference, with seven underclassmen on its roster. Those two wins were an important confidence booster--validation that an already skilled team can translate its ability to on-court play.

Head coach Jeff Einspahr says the biggest keys to his team's success so far are that "the girls work hard, don't give up and they also play as a team."

There are plenty of teams that work hard and play together. There are also plenty of teams that are loaded with talent. But seldom do those three qualities come together to produce a truly memorable group of players. This year's Lady Coyotes – granted, it is early – could be something special with a nice mix of talent, selflessness and hustle.

Einspahr points out that many of the players on his team also played for the Coyotes' varsity volleyball team, which was one win away from the Class D state tournament this fall. Freshmen Audrey Juelfs, Trinity Langley and Payge Hoffman, sophomores Alexus Rozelle and Dawson Sharman, junior Savannah Shaw and senior Jourdan Langley all suited up for volleyball and gained valuable experience playing in big games down the stretch of the regular season and into the sub-district and district matches.

"This shows me that they have some leadership, grit and maturity," Einspahr said.

Then, add in the talent. Among others, Juelfs and Sharman have exploded so far this season for the Lady Coyotes. As a 5-foot, 10-inch forward, Juelfs has put together two excellent all-around games to open the season and so far is averaging 13 points, six rebounds, six assists, six steals and a block per game. Sharman– a 5-6 guard – has been good for 11.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 3.5 steals per contest.

Einspahr has been impressed with that dynamic duo so far. Both players epitomize that special mixture of ability and heart.

"Audrey is a great athlete that is always working hard to get better," Einspahr said. "She has been playing basketball for many years at a high level, so this is nothing new to her. Dawson is also a great athlete and teammate that does whatever you ask of her and she does it with a smile. She worked hard this summer on her shooting as well as her defensive skills. They both will tell you that their teammates make them better."

That doesn't even mention Rozelle, a gifted rebounder who led the MAC conference in boards last season as a freshman with 11.1 per game. Every team needs players who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty and get active. Rozelle is that presence for the Lady Coyotes, averaging five points and 7.5 rebounds a night.

Einspahr also noted a newcomer in junior Anna McLaughlin – a transfer who joined the team this season. After two games, she's averaging 9.5 points and 5.5 rebounds and has turned into yet another reliable post presence for Potter Dix.

"She has been a nice addition to the team and will bring scoring and defensive skills to the post area," Einspahr said.

Neither Einspahr nor his players are by any means expecting a flawless season. But this squad has the right ingredients to win a lot of games and be competitive in the MAC tournament once again.

"I think this is a strong group that doesn't get rattled too easily," Einspahr said. "It is still very early in the season, but I have confidence that they (the players) will fight their way through any adversity."