Connellsville girls preview: Lady Falcons鈥� Painter moves from assistant to head coach
The Connellsville girls basketball team is now under the direction of new head coach Eric Painter, although he is no stranger to the program after assisting former head coach Shawna Little over the past five years.
Painter feels he is in a good situation with the Lady Falcons because he has plenty of youthful experience with no seniors returning, but five letterwinners coming back with four of those starters last season.
The starters, all juniors, include Elizabeth Painter, Whitney Bobish, Bailey Liska, Ella Etling and letter-winner Hannah Tinkey.
“I feel I’m in a good situation knowing this group will be together for the next two years,” Painter said. “They are working hard to pick up some of the different things we’re trying to put in.”
One thing Painter would like to see is the Lady Falcons become a little more aggressive offensively.
“We want to be more of an attack-style motion offense,” said Eric Painter. “Things are not where we want them to be, but I think we’re heading in the right direction.” Eric
Painter said his daughter, Elizabeth, will once again be at point guard. He thinks after a year’s experience she should be stronger and believes she has improved her ball handling and defense. Painter feels she can get her shot offensively, but would like her and all the girls to finish on a more consistent basis.
Liska will be looked upon to provide help for Painter in the backcourt. Sophomores Elly Show and Maggie Orndorff could pick up minutes during the season. Sophomore Natalie Jacobs could earn playing time at the varsity level.
Painter said the Lady Falcons will not be the biggest team on the floor with no one taller than six feet.
“Everyone is going to have to crash the boards on both ends of the floor, especially defensively.” said Painter. “We can’t afford to give teams too many easy looks.”
Painter noted the Lady Falcons must focus on each and every game, and not get caught looking ahead to some close losses they might have a chance to turn around.
“We’ve got to manage our expectations. We can’t think we’re going to jump from five wins to 18 in one season. If we get the close wins that were losses for us last year that will be a big step for our program,” said Eric Painter.
Painter realizes the Lady Falcons have a tough road ahead in Section 1-AAAAA. Perennial powers like Oakland Catholic, McKeesport and Penn-Trafford will be tough.
“We are not a high-scoring team so we have to play great defense,” Painter said. “If we can get some wins early and build some confidence, who knows what will happen.”