Starting a new season with a new team can be difficult from learning about new players and learning new schemes, but first year Bray-Doyle Lady Donkey basketball coach Ron Booth said he is excited.

                “I wouldn’t say it’s difficult,” Booth said. “I just think of it as a learning curve. I’m learning new stuff and I’m also learning how to coach some of the girls.”

                Booth coached several his players earlier this year during the fast pitch softball season. He said being with them during the softball season helps, but it is an entirely different atmosphere.

                “Knowing the girls already does give a better understanding,” Booth said. “However, this is a different sport, so there is definitely going to be a different attitude.”

                The Lady Donkeys started the season off to a rocky start falling to the Empire Lady Bulldogs 86-44 but came back to a big 55-28 win of Oklahoma School of Deaf. Booth said there were some positive things his team could take away from the season opening loss and win over OSD.

                “One of the positives we can take away from the Empire game is that we scored more on Empire than anyone else has this season,” Booth said. “We can also take away a learning opportunity and turning it into a win against OSD.”

                The Lady Donkeys will look at several players to contribute to the team this season.

                “I believe everybody we have is a leader for this team,” Booth said. “Everybody steps up at some point. The girls we really want to set the tone for us are our starters Alyson Long, Sydney Kovar, J’Cee Edwards, Kaily Early, and Kyndalin Byrd.”

                With a new team, Booth said he has set a standard for his team to meet every time they step on the court.

                “The goals for this season are what they always are,” Booth said. “We want to get better every time we step on the court for practice and for games. I want to try to get a district title and advance in the playoffs.”