Generals post strong efforts in season’s first three games
BY SAPNA PATHAK
Despite graduating three of his best players last season, Wayne Thomson is no stranger to fostering a playoff-caliber team.
Thomson, head coach of the John Stark Regional High girls basketball squad, will look to improve on last season’s Class I tournament, in which the Generals were knocked out in the quarterfinals.
They’ve begun rebuilding after losing top players in Jen Gelinas, Chelsea Turley and Rachel Titcomb, but Thomson said he’s seen enough talent in his returners and newcomers to make another playoff appearance this season.
“I’m satisfied with how we look so far,” said Thomson.
“We’ve been consistently doing some good things and some bad things, but at least we’re consistent, so it’s a bit easier to work on during practice.”
As of Monday, Dec. 11, the Generals hold a 2-1 record, with their only loss coming at the hands of Kearsarge on Tuesday, Dec. 5. Thomson said a turnover-laden first half against Kearsarge left the Generals trailing at halftime.
John Stark battled back to within one point in the 52-51 loss. Thomson said the game showed his squad was more competitive than his preseason assessments displayed.
“That first half against Kearsarge was bad,” Thomson said. “They beat us in the quarters last year, so I thought the girls may have been nervous because of that. To see them come back from a sizeable deficit at halftime and lose by just one point was encouraging.”
The Generals were led by junior Elyssa Feliciano and sophomore Olivia Cray, who will share point guard duties this year. Thomson said he relies on the two to hold together a productive offensive unit with set plays for different situations.
With the team shooting almost 85 percent from the freethrow line, Thomson said he wants to focus on gelling the defense and cutting down on turnovers.
“The defense is coming along,” said Thomson. “We’re getting better with every game. It’s still a work in progress, but that’s expected. It’s just a part of high school sports.”
On Friday, Dec. 8, the Generals hosted and beat Oyster River, 47-45. John Stark next plays at Lebanon on Friday, Dec. 15.