Community Christian Girls Basketball: Norman Area Driven Team of the Month – sponsored by Landers Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Written by Michael Kinney

Coach Michelle McNear knew what to expect heading into this season. After losing an experienced team, her Community Christian girls basketball roster was full of young players who had never been through the rigors of a varsity season.

“I did. Just knowing I have three seniors, one junior and the rest are freshmen and two sophomores, I knew it was going to be a learning process,” McNear said. “But I’m proud of our kids and the work they have put in.”

Through 17 games, the Royals had a 9-8 record, which illustrates the up and down type season they had endured. But McNear said the team is starting to put things together.

“We are starting to peak at the right time,” McNear said. “We are just a little young. We won our last four games. We are getting there.”

Improved defense has been one of the biggest changes for CCS, according to the coaching staff.

“I would say our defense is picking up really well,” McNear said. “A lot of that is just technique. And just teaching young kids the grit and having to really work hard.”

But for McNear, the turnaround started with the players not only buying into the system but also believing in each other.

“I’d say just trust. Trusting each other,” McNear said. “Just spending that time together, Playing together and coming together. A lot of times, that just takes time. That familiarity of playing with each other and just learning the system. The young kids enjoying trusting those seniors who have been leading very well. Just buying into the system takes a little time for the young ones.”

McNear has relied on seniors like Callie Martin and Carson Wright to foster that atmosphere of trust throughout the team. Both provide leadership in a variety of ways.

“Callie has to have the ball in her hands the majority of the game. So that is taking away from a little of her scoring,” McNear said. “But with 15 points, five rebounds and three steals a game, she is doing a good job. She is just responsible for a lot of the team. She is a true leader. Very vocal. Talks to the girls a lot on the court, trying to get the young kids where they need to be and why they need to be there. That type of leadership.”

As Community Christian keeps improving, McNear sees her team having the talent to make some noise as the postseason approaches.

“I think we might surprise a couple of people,” McNear said. “I think we have the opportunity to surprise some people.”