Lady Flucos Take on a Season of Change

Covid has changed a lot of things in the sports world lately, but practicing in a mask was just one more change for the Fluvanna girls basketball team. In the off-season, Assistant Coach Nick Ward stepped up and became the new head coach for the Lady Flucos, while bringing in a new assistant, Coach Josh McElheny, who brought unique energy to the team.

“As a first year head coach with basically a brand new team, it can be very difficult. Throw in the pandemic, mask, protocols, etc., [and] it made for my level of organization to go up even higher,” said Ward.

In the 2020 season, the Lady Flucos were led by three senior all district guards, Vaeh Ivory, Jules Shepherd and Mya Wright, so the team had to reconfigure their offense this season since those three had graduated. Sophomore guard Alana Carter-Johnston, who was new to the program this year, took on the point guard role and used her speed to get to the basket and lead the team in scoring and assists.

The Lady Flucos were also led by senior captains Allyson Crothers and Khyariah Davis, who were excited when they found out Covid hadn’t canceled their season afterall. “I was happy knowing that we would have the season even if it wasn’t as long,” said Crothers. Davis agreed. “I was so excited to play, have fun with my team, and do what makes me happy.”

Although the girls’ 6-6 record this season wasn’t as perfect as they wished, they played hard for 32 minutes each game knowing that Covid could cancel their next game and potentially end the season earlier. “While no one liked the new normal, the girls really adjusted throughout the year to meet every expectation and requirement that allowed us to play 12 out of our 14 games,” said Ward.

Looking to next year, the Lady Flucos may miss Davis’ inside presence and rebounding, but sophomore Tatyana Turner hopes to succeed her in the future, averaging 9.3 rebounds this season. Sophomore guards Carter-Johnston and Aniah Webb also look to make a mark for themselves in the future, as they used their quickness this season to get to the basket and were able to knock down some shots, combining for 35% from the three point line.

Although the team was just short of punching a ticket to the regional tournament this year, they have already made it a goal to get to Regionals next season. Many believe that Ward’s young team has a lot in store for them and that this is just the beginning to their success in the future.