by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC
With 24 days off, Kansas City Kansas Community College’s women’s basketball team is hopeful of finally being at full strength with conference play looming in the background.
“This team has overcome a lot of adversity in the first semester, primarily because of injuries,” fifth year coach Joe McKinstry said. “We have not been at full strength for one workout or practice since this group stepped foot on campus. Our lineups and play availability have fluctuated throughout November and December, which has limited us in what we can do in practice.”
Despite the injuries, the Blue Devils go into the holiday break with a lofty 14-1 record and No. 3 ranking in the latest NJCAA Division II Poll.
“I’m very proud of this group and the position they have put themselves in at this point in our season,” McKinstry said. “A 14-1 record speaks to their talent and capabilities.”
McKinstry has had just one player, guard Brodi Byrd, with experience from last year’s NJCAA Division II National Championship team.
“Diamond Williams was with us last season but missed the entire year with a knee injury, Caroline Hoppock has missed the entire season with an injury but we are hopeful she will return after the break. And Carson Chandler will miss the entire season with a knee injury that required surgery.
“So of the 11 individuals who have suited for competition, 10 of them are playing in a KCKCC uniform for the first time (nine freshmen, one sophomore transfer).
“The most exciting part is that I believe this group still hasn’t played its best basketball. Every day is a learning experience and as a group, we are just trying to learn as much as we can, limit mistakes and not repeat them, and continue to grow as a team. They’ve really put themselves in position to win a lot of games and hopefully compete for a conference championship.”
The Blue Devils resume play the second week in January, playing host to Southeast Nebraska Jan. 9 and Metropolitan Jan. 11.
On the road for three games against Missouri Southern junior varsity, Park University junior varsity and North Central Missouri, KCKCC begins play in the rugged Jayhawk Jan. 22 at Labette.