The St. Dominic girls’ varsity basketball team hopes to take its skills to the court with stellar stature in this 2014-2015 season at the hands of a new, young, yet experienced head coach, Jeff Menke.

Coach Menke takes over a team that’s ready to go. With the girls’ basketball team being lead by players with leadership and experience, such as Katie Kasubke, Sophia Downey, Hailey Klein and Taylor Branstetter, Menke knows his team is ready for any challenge their competitive schedule throws at them. Menke stresses to the players and hopes the fans will also understand that the Crusaders will compete with anyone.

“I plan for our team to run the floor offensively and defensively. More importantly, I plan to win games, and a lot of them,” said Coach Menke.

Coach Menke’s confidence in his team seems to add fuel to the fire and will ignite his team for the long four-month season. A state title is something all teams dream about accomplishing, but only the “cream of the crop” actually get to experience it. Coach understands what it takes to have such a drive in the postseason, so every day at practice he implements tactics that will help his team achieve this. His practice is up tempo with nonstop pressure and consistent hard work.

“Practices are really tough, but we’ve been getting a lot done,” said Downey.

Practice will prepare the team for a grueling season, but Coach Menke wants his team to stay focused and play hard game in and game out.

“To win a title, there could be ups and downs throughout the season; the key is to battle through the tough times, but being consistent is the main key. Play to win every game and never take any opponent lightly,” said Coach Menke.

To say the least, Coach Menke’s dedicated coaching and his experienced-lead varsity squad hope to bring the dreams of a successful season and state title alive. It has already led the team through a tough jamboree in which they played MICDS, Principia and Park Hill. The jamboree showed one thing for sure: these girls and their coach are ready for any obstacle this season throws at them.

“He has high expectations, but I think we will meet those,” said Downey.

The girls open the season December 1 in the Troy Tournament and hope to be the powerhouse that teams need to watch out for come the end of the season.