Thursday, October 09, 2008

Belvoir women prepare for WAMAC season

Photo by Paul Bello
Ladies participate in a basketball workout at Specker Field House in preparation for the upcoming season under head coach Shermin Sherin. After coaching the men’s team for years, Sherin has stepped in to lead the women for the 2008-2009 season.

There are many new faces on this year’s Fort Belvoir women’s basketball team. Many faces - period.

Unlike last year’s squad, which produced just enough players to take the court for games, this year’s Lady Eagles had ten players running offensive sets during a recent practice, with another three on the way, new head coach Sherman Sherin said.

No stranger to coaching in the Washington Area Military Athletic Conference, Sherin is heading up this year’s team for the first time after spending the last seven seasons coaching the men’s side. Shonda Moore, who coached the Lady Eagles last year, was unable to commit for another season. That leaves it up to Sherin, who is looking forward to what his new team can do. 

“From my perspective, I needed to change things up. I never coached women’s basketball before, so I’m excited to be working with these girls,” Sherin said. “I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people this year. We’re a lot deeper and we have more experience than last year’s squad. It should be interesting.”

The experience Sherin refers to comes courtesy of Joy Roberson and Shawn Hicks, who previously played for teams at Fort Lee and Fort Meade, respectively. With a height advantage over other players, Sherin plans on using Roberson in the post, while Hicks is penciled in as the team’s point guard. Jennifer Martinez, one of only two returning players for the Lady Eagles, has high expectations.

“We got a much better turnout as opposed to last year. That’s key for us,” Martinez said after practice Monday. “We’re dedicated and we’re looking forward to learning the fundamentals of basketball from coach Sherin. We should have better results and we’re excited to be playing as a team.”

While the season doesn’t officially start until January, Sherin hopes to have Belvoir playing in some upcoming league tournaments. This weekend, the team will
see action in Fort Lee’s annual Columbus Day tournament. Also on Sherin’s radar are the Veterans Day and Toys for Tots tournaments. 

“Right now, it’s important to keep practicing and getting them to learn to play with each other. WAMAC is a fast league and I want the newcomers used to the speed of the game,” Sherin said. “We have a lot of work ahead of us, but there’s time before the season starts. So far, I like our energy. We just need to keep that up.”

For now, Sherin, who did everything except put flyers on car windshields in sparking interest about this year’s squad, said he will continue holding team practices on Monday and Wednesday nights, in addition to individual workouts with players on Tuesdays and Thursdays, if requested.