The 2024 Lady Charger basketball team is set to kick off their season on November 5th with a home matchup against Coffeeville. Cliff Orman is entering his ninth year as head coach of the Lady Chargers, following a strong showing last year where his team secured third place in the district. With ambitious goals set for the upcoming season, Orman is determined to lead his team to a first-place finish. The expectations are high as they aim for greatness.
“They have worked really hard in our preseason by pushing each other and getting in the gym on their own.” Orman said. “Lots of teammates come to practice before or after school to work on their own game. I think this will make a noticeable difference in our performance as a team and in their individual performance as well.”
Six returning seniors, as well as several experienced younger players, Orman believes the team is loaded with a lot of talent.
“We have an experienced team of six seniors who have played a lot of basketball here at Oxford.” Orman said “We also have a lot of younger players who have experience as well. We are excited about this upcoming year. I think this team has the potential to compete for a district championship.”
The goal for this season is to win a championship. The seniors are determined to make it happen. They are putting in a lot of work into the practices and they are pushing their teammates to work just as hard. Senior Camara Frierson wants to be a leader for the squad and to bring the team to the championships.
“Our leaders are putting in extra work and taking time to add to our skill.” Frierson said. “I want to set more of a positive example for my team.”
It has been said that if you take care of the little things, the big things will take care of themselves. This season the Lady Chargers are focused on improving their performance and striving for perfection in every aspect of the game.
“I think our team, coaches included, are more concerned with detail.” Frierson said. “Which is ultimately helping us strengthen our team.”
By improving their skills and becoming stronger together, the Lady Chargers look to grow as a team. They want to be strong competitors both mentally and physically. Orman encourages his squad to excel in all areas.
“I hope that all our kids are competitors in everything they do, “I want them to see that they have a coach who works hard and wants to see them succeed both on and off the court, whether it’s grades in school or a promotion at work.” Orman said. “Whatever they are doing, I hope they are successful and doing it in the right way. I hope that they are overall good people that watch the way they talk to others and treat others.”
