Sports
Moten, Walter Johnson Look to Continue Turnaround in 2010-2011
Wildcats went winless in 2008-2009 but improved last season under first-year coach Tori Moten.
It didn't take long for girls basketball coach Tori Moten to establish a new way of doing things when she took over last season.
The Wildcats went winless in 2008-2009. Inexperience was a factor. So was a lack of senior leadership.
But more than anything else, according to players, Walter Johnson was missing the intensity neccessary to compete in the 4A West Region.
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Moten's influence changed that.
"Now, everyone knows that if we don't do it right, we're gonna run," senior guard Sarah Howie said this week. "So we play our hardest."
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The seemingly simple approach led to big improvements last season - the Wildcats went 9-13 - and has players thinking even bigger things are ahead as they prepare for their 2010-2011 season opener on Tuesday against Wheaton.
"Practices now, we still have fun, but it's still so much more intense. Everyone's focusing. Everyone definitely tries their hardest," Howie said. "Two years ago, everybody just kind of hated it as we kept losing. No one had fun."
Moten, who was an honorable mention All-Met performer at Richard Montgomery before playing at UMBC during her own career, helped the Wildcats learn the value of preparation, something she's preaching again this season.
"We've really been working hard at spacing, communication, mental toughness, physical toughness and all the intangibles," Moten said. "Because I think we have the scoring power to be successful."
Howie should provide a lot of that offense. But Moten has a number of players - guard Sam Stadnik, center Kristen Larrick and guard Leemor Banai included - she thinks can help Walter Johnson improve even more.
"I definitely see us picking up about five more wins on just pure the fact that they've grown. They've matured," Moten said. "They have a better understanding of how to get open and they've been executing very well for the most part."
A winning record, two seasons after not winning a game, would be a welcome accomplishment.
It's a turnaround rooted in the team's attitude change.
"Last season was teaching them how to fight. This season they know how to fight," Moten said. "They have an idea of the intensity level that's expected."
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