But the athletes won’t be getting to know a new person. Sheroderick Smith, who has served as the Bulldogs’ girls’ basketball coach for the past two years agreed to become the boys’ coach next season.
Smith was quick to point out he’s not abandoning the girls program though. He’ll coach both teams next season.
“When (Athletic Director Adam) Fossett asked me about coaching the boys, I told him that the only way I would do it is if I could remain the girls coach,” Smith said.
That request came after rebuilding the girls program for the past two seasons. When Smith took over the girls program, he was teaching them how to shoot layups and free throws. He also has a lot of young players and nearly every girl from the 2009-2010 season is returning.
“One of your goals as a coach is to try to have the opportunity to win a state championship and I feel that these girls have put in a lot of work, and I like the progress that I’m seeing with the girls,” Smith said. “We’re finally at a stage in this program girls-wise where they made my decision a little bit easier. I would not have been able to coach the boys’ team and the girls’ team two years ago nor last year. The girls have put in a lot of work and they’re moving right along.”
While a lot of the girls’ players are young, Smith will be coaching a senior-laden boys’ program this winter. The Bulldogs have a rich basketball history, but have struggled for the past few years. Smith hopes to bring the tradition back to the school.
“The boys are in a different situation,” Smith said. “There is talent there. They’re going to have to commit to discipline and defense. Even though I’m an offensive (minded) guy, I like their chances when the commit to discipline and defense.”
Right now Smith is working on getting his players to master the fundamentals of the game and doing the things it takes to win, rather than worrying about winning in itself.
“We actually have the first team all-county player and second team all-county player returning,” Smith said. “With those two veteran players, they’ve expressed some concerns in wanting to win. I’m not going to really focus on the winning part. We’re going to focus on what it takes to win. That’s going to be my first goal. I‘ve done some research with this program. They’ve had a lot of success over the past 20-something years here at Winterboro. In 1990 they went to the state championship game. And they’ve pretty much made the playoffs every year up until 2004. (The players) would like to be victorious over a few teams; I won’t name any names. They can tell me all the wins they want, but if they’re not willing to put in the discipline and defense then the wins will never come.”
In addition to having a new coach, the Bulldogs will have a new look to the gymnasium when basketball season starts this winter. The blue floor covering has been removed and new hardwood will replace it over the summer. Fans will also see new bleachers in the winter.
Smith said the improvements to the gym would not have been possible without Athletic Director Adam Fossett as well as WHS Principal Greg Bates.
“Honestly, Winterboro athletics is headed in the right direction,” Smith said. “And that’s all sports. (Fossett) constantly works to have the right people in place who knows that particular sport as opposed to having someone just really there to take the supplement so to speak. He knows how to put on two hats at the same time.”
Smith said he hopes all the parents of players and fans of Winterboro athletics will show up for the games this season.
“I’ve notice that the fans on the girls side has gotten a lot better with their support. Now I’m asking the boys parents to start coming along, being a part of a good program. Success is not built only on wins and losses; it’s built on an atmosphere.”
Post a Comment
