The White County Warriorettes appear poised for a successful 2020-2021 basketball season.
With returning players all over the floor, WCHS head coach Michael Dodgen was optimistic about the state of his team.
“We’re way ahead because we’ve got so much experience coming back,” said Dodgen. “Just like every other team in the state of Tennessee, it’s the quarantine. You can’t teach your kids enough about staying healthy. I really like where we’re at. It’s going to be a fun time.”
Perhaps the Warriorettes biggest advantage in 2020 is their experience. Led by senior MTSU signee Gracie Dodgen, White County knows what to expect on the floor.
“We’re able to do a lot more than some other teams will be able to do,” said coach Dodgen. “We’ve got so many people back, we’re able to move ahead and work on things a lot quicker than we could if we were a redeveloping team.”
The Warriorettes appear to be one of the top-three teams in District 6/AAA entering the season, along with defending champion Stone Memorial and Cookeville. The 2019-2020 season was full of close games within the district, and Dodgen said he expects the 2020-2021 season to be similar.
“I feel like the top three is going to be a war with us, Stone and Cookeville,” said Dodgen. “A lot of it is going to depend on who’s got available players to play. I really like our team. I feel like those games every night we play each other are going to be wars.”
One benefit of playing in a tough district is preparation for the postseason. Particularly when matching up against District 5 in the region tournament.
“One thing I do like is our district has caught up to the other district,” said Dodgen. “Our district may be better than the other district now. Bradley Central is Bradley, they’re going to talk about tradition. They’re the region champs, and everybody’s trying to shoot to be that. I really like where our district’s at.”
While Gracie Dodgen is a star in the Upper Cumberland, the Warriorettes boast several strong players across the floor. Coach Dodgen said he thinks his team can win in a variety of ways.
“As long as we stay healthy, the gimmick defenses are probably going to have to stop,” said Dodgen. “This team is very dynamic and can do a lot of things.”
The Warriorettes will tip off the season Tuesday night at home against Tullahoma with tipoff set for 6 p.m.