Heritage Christian Academy knew when it made the move from the KCAA to the KHSAA, there would be some growing pains – especially in girls’ sports.
After some success in the Kentucky Christian Athletic Association, the Lady Warriors will be thrown into the 8th District with Christian County and Hopkinsville – teams mentioned among those who could cut down the region nets in March.
That’s the rebuilding task Josh Bridges faces as he takes over the HCA girls’ program.
“It’s been interesting. We have a small team and we have a lot of youth,” the HCA alum said about his first few weeks on the job. “We haven’t had a whole lot of time to get going, but we have some pretty good talent in the upperclassmen area, and they’re very engaged. They’ve helped me out quite a bit, to be honest with you, and it’s been a very good transition for me to enter.”
HCA lost its top two scorers and rebounders to graduation.
Bridges will turn to senior Rachel Robson to run the offense again. A soccer standout, Robson brings her aggressive style to the hardwood which is more noticeable on defense.
“I feel like playing soccer helps my basketball IQ, like knowing when to step in and how to break down plays,” she said.
Sophomore Kate St. Martin led the team in 3-pointers made while shooting 36 percent behind the arc last year. She will be called on to produce more inside the arc and grab rebounds.
Senior Kylynn Tudor will be another player Bridges looks to count on with numbers precariously low.
The girls’ sport at HCA that has made the smoothest transition to the KHSAA has been volleyball. As a result, some players who could help the basketball program have chosen to play winter travel volleyball.
“It’s going to be a challenge. It’s going to be an uphill challenge, and we have several young players on the team right now,” Bridges said. “I’m really leaning on them to build a relationship with them and grow with them and their talents starting out young. And then hopefully, as they grow they’ll be able to go out and through the school and just hopefully recruit through within the school as well.
Heritage Christian Academy will play its first two games on the road – at Dawson Springs on Dec. 2 and at Trigg County on Dec. 4. The first home game for HCA is scheduled for Dec. 7 – a district game with Fort Campbell.
