Cory Guyton enters his second season at Kosciusko with a better understanding of the program, and his players have a year’s worth of experience with his coaching style. The former Choctaw County head coach is ready to take his new program to the next level.
The Lady Whippets graduated three seniors from last year’s 12-17 squad, but experience will power this year’s version of the Lady Whippets as they boast five seniors on their roster.
“Right now, it’s getting the defense in tact,” Guyton said. "We played a lot of zone last year to compensate for our speed. I think we’re a lot faster this year, so we want to try to ramp it up on the defensive end.”
The Lady Whippets averaged 44.9 points per game last season, and the defense yielded 50.4 points per game.
“We want to build off our offense,” Guyton said. “I thought we did pretty well on offense last year. We want to be able to execute a little bit better. I think with the up-and-coming young players we have… I think that’s going to help us.”
Jakyra Young joined the Lady Whippets in the offseason from McAdams High School. She’s been a welcome addition so far. Through four games, Young has averaged a team-high 18.5 points per contest to go with another team-high 4.5 rebounds per game.
“I think the chemistry is building,” Guyton said. “We’re trying to get Jakyra to fit in (to the scheme) and so forth.”
Guyton and the Lady Whippets will have to navigate early season injuries. Forward Diamond Rayford suffered a concussion that has prevented her from playing this year, and shooting guard Bracie Jamison hasn’t played this season due to an ankle injury.
“They’re key contributors on both offense and defense,” Guyton said. “But the young group has stepped up.”
Freshman D’Nayla Williams (small forward, shooting guard) Rayford’s younger sister, has stepped up in Rayford’s absence and filled that void. Guyton also said he expects sophomore Aaliyah Amey (small forward, power forward) to contribute heavily on both offense and defense.
“She had a big game for us against Canton,” Guyton said. “It’s just her learning to have that ability to rise to that moment consistently. And I think once she gets that, she has great upside.”
While the development of the Lady Whippets on-court talent will ultimately determine how the season unfolds, Guyton said the influence his five seniors have will be just as vital to the team’s success.
“It’s going to be a key,” Guyton said. “We had a nasty taste in our mouth when we lost in the district tournament last year to Noxubee County, so the seniors really don’t want that. This is their last ride, so they’re trying to be more vocal and more leadership-oriented to help avoid that same outcome this year.”
