by Jamie Harris
The 2021-2022 edition of the Berkeley Springs Lady Indians basketball team looks to rebound back from last season’s Covid season where they went 1-11.
With a roster of 11 girls, longtime veteran coach Dale McCumbee enters his 31st season as head basketball coach. McCumbee has been very pleased with the attitude and effort of his young team despite the low turnout.
“There is a different approach that fits our motto that we try to base our program on. We always stress attitude and effort along with a strong team concept and it has been very noticeable in our practices. Part of that is reflection of our senior leadership,” stated Coach McCumbee.
Seniors Harly Didawick (guard) and Sara Veara (post) will be looked on as the leaders of the team.
Sophomore point guard Emma Widmyer (Morgan Messenger’s Player of the Year) will continue to provide floor leadership from the point position. Harly Didawick who has a great work ethic will look to have a huge season from her shooting guard position. Veara returns this season after sitting out last winter and her experience as a post player will help the Lady Indians in the paint.
Berkeley Springs has seven or eight players that will have an opportunity to contribute a lot early in the season. The team is still learning the system and will continue to grow and improve as the season progresses. “We have several freshmen that have potential to help us as the season progresses,” stated McCumbee.
Berkeley Springs will open the 2021 season up this Thursday, December 2 at home as they face East Hardy at 6:30 p.m.
Projected starting lineup for Berkeley Springs and roster is: Point Guard: Emma Widmyer (sophomore) ; Shooting Guards: Alaira Harrington (freshman) and Harly Didawick (senior); Forward: Maddie Fauver (sophomore) and Center: Sara Veara (senior). On the bench will be: Annie Visco (junior), Grace Risinger (sophomore), Jazmine Briscoe (sophomore), Tenacious Ray (freshman), Aubrey Bachtell (freshman) and Melissa Seabright (freshman.).