A seasoned girls coach alongside a unsatisfied returning boys coach lead South’s basketball programs in a positive direction this season.
Boys head coach Jeff Howard begins his second year coaching for the school, and his motivation to improve has not waivered.
Howards impact from last year is evident as the team has shown major improvements accomplishing many of their set goals.
“Last year was my first year so I wanted to get to know the kids, I wanted to get to know the parents, I wanted to get to know the administration, [and] I wanted to know what type of support we had from the athletic staff. Now that I know those things I want people to get to know me and what I stand for. I think everyone I’ve been involved with at Plainfield South has shown nothing but 100 percent support for the basketball program and what I’ve tried to do,” Howard said.
Howard also expressed how he’s worked with the team in the offseason and thought about eight goals during that time. Winning various tournaments and being the best team in Plainfield were included, but he put a special emphasis on his last two goals.
“[I want to] make sure my seniors graduate and move on in their chosen path and have no students academically ineligible,” Howard said.
As a dean, Howard takes pride in his athletes doing academically well. He also is happy with where they are headed for now.
“In our first year, we had the most wins they had here in over ten years. At the varsity level, I think we have moved towards [showing growth]. Sophomore and freshman programs we’re still developing, [but] I like what we have this year and as long as I’m here, that’s always going to be the goal [which] is to be better,” Howard said.
This year Howard was a member on the hiring board for the new girls head coach. When he met candidate Alana Warren, he agreed with her philosophy. Warren is now the new head coach for the girls team.
Although Howard hasn’t been able to work with her yet, he says it is one of his top goals.
“I think when you’re talking about basketball, whether it’s girls or boys, we’re really one. [Also] just from talking to some of her players, I know they are ready to go, and I think she is going to represent Plainfield South very well,” said Howard
Warren is new to the building, but she is no newbie when it comes to the sport. This is Warren’s fifth official year of coaching. She previously coached four years at Metea Valley High School- two years freshman, and two years varsity. She also coached AAU 17U for the last two summers.
Warren shares similar goals to Howard, displaying her desire for improvement every practice.
“As a team we have talked, and most importantly [our goal is] just to be better, everyday, every game, and especially better than last year. Also [we want to] win the conference,” Warren said.
According to Warren, her team is very senior heavy, and they will be relying on them a lot this season.
“We have eight seniors who have a couple years of varsity under their belt so the approach has been the time is now. They are a great team who want to leave their mark. Practices have been intense, and high energy. They are ready,” Warren said.
Warren shouts out specific seniors who will have an impact on their team and could help them win the conference.
“Destynia Mcgruder who was 1st team all conference and led the team in points last year helps out a lot. Jaz had some BIG games last year. We have a transfer La’Niya Willis, who will help a lot. Layla Lesure, who is a sophomore, will be a nice addition to this already stacked squad,” Warren said.
Warren encourages students and staff to come support their team.
“[They are a] great group of girls who will work hard, and be fun to watch,” said Warren.
Howard wanted to thank Chet Lines as well as the athletic department as a whole for taking a risk in hiring him. He hopes his commuting from Indiana really showed he cared and he hopes to bring the same energy at Plainfield South here.
