Stringer's youth and inexperience were factors against Enterprise-Clarke's full-court press Tuesday night. Still, first-year girls' head basketball coach Trista Magee Whitman came away encouraged.
“The thing about having young kids is that we don’t have a lot of experience when it comes to taking care of the basketball,” said Whitman. “That’s something that will come with time. It’s one of our weaknesses right now, but tonight was a great opportunity to work on that.”
Stringer fell to 2A Enterprise 53-33 in regular-season hoops action.
"We're young, I'll say that," added Whitman. "We have a lot of kids that are just starting, so it's a neat thing to come in during your first year and build a foundation. It's something that I'm excited about. I'm also excited about our seniors. They're expressing great leadership and are being receptive to a new coach. I'm proud of the work that they're putting in."
Stringer fell behind early, primarily due to the full-court pressure applied by Enterprise in the first half.
The Lady Devils trailed by 24 points at the half, 34-10, committing 27 turnovers in the opening 16 minutes of game-clock.
What happened in the final 16 minutes of game-clock was what brought a smile to Whitman’s face after the final buzzer.
"I thought our girls responded phenomenally," said Whitman, "and came back in a situation that where they could have been down, especially after committing 27 turnovers in the first half. Instead, they were fighters. In the second half, we had less than 10. That's all that I can ask for. Each game, they want to continue to get better."
Stringer cut into Enterprise’s lead, 39-24, by closing out the third period with a 10-0 run.
The Lady Devils put together a 7-2 run in the final period before Enterprise pulled away in the last four minutes to grab a 20-point victory, 53-33.
"It's a testament to our kids and the fight they gave," said Whitman. "Right now, it's experience [we need], and they're getting that. They have the heart to do anything in the world. We're just working on the experience and skill, but I'm pretty proud of them at this moment.
“I challenged them at halftime, and they responded full throttle,” added Whitman. “It’s who they are. They want it, and we’re going to figure out a way to get it.”
Whitman was also proud of how those who came off the bench in the second half played.
"There was so much energy from the bench," said Whitman. "They were so into the game, so excited for their teammates, and so ready to help their team when they got an opportunity to go in. That's a powerful thing and a sign that we are building a championship program.
"There at the end, we were playing three freshman and two sophomores. They were the ones that took care of the ball and made some great shots. I love the energy they are giving us. That's contagious and all that I can ask for."
Freshman guard Hannah Grace Buckley led Stringer with 12 points, 10 of which came in the third period, including two-threes. She was the only Lady Devil to finish in double-digits.
Six other Lady Devils had baskets on the night.
"I'm excited about the future of this program," said Whitman. "Of course, it is a little crazy during this first year with everything that's going on, but I'm optimistic about the future. Our girls have been so great about really wanting it, and that's a coach's dream."
