Jordan Blanc has taken the reigns as head coach of the Carbon Lady Dino basketball team in his first year. Coach Blanc describes his coaching style as high intensity, high positivity, stating that defense wins games and fundamentals are key.
He will be assisted by Jeff Blanc, Julianne Orth, Cristen Johnson, Tasha Morely and Maquette Smith. Carbon finished with a 19-8 overall record last season, going 12-2 in Region 12, behind the eventual state champions, Richfield. The Richfield Wildcats would matchup with Carbon in the Semifinals, where Carbon fell in a tough battle, 53-49.
Some of the athletes returning this year will be Jacie Jensen and Bailey Curtis. “They bring a ton of experience at the varsity level. They have been a part of a winning culture and their leadership will set them apart. Both work very hard and this will set the tone for practices every day,” said Coach Blanc.
When asked what the teams has done to improve during the offseason, he replied, “We have spent all summer in the gym. My goal for the girls was to get 10,000 shots up every three months. The more they shoot the better they will be. I believe we got better in the offseason. All of the girls also play another sport and I think that is great because they are working different muscles and come into the season ready to work hard.”
He continued with the goals and expectations this season, “Carbon Girls Basketball have the same expectations every single year. We expect to win a Region Title and a State Title. We produce some of the best teams in the state every year and that’s something I want to continue. I want the girls to enjoy the game of basketball, it teaches so much and there are so many life skills they can come away with once they are done playing competitive basketball. I also want to create a youth feeder program to build a love of the game and teach fundamentals at a young age.”
When asked about some tough opponents this year, Coach Blanc stated, “We have a tough schedule this year and every team we play will be great. I look forward to getting the girls ready for these games. There are teams that will have a ton of size or some that are great shooting teams. This will be a great opportunity for our team to figure things out for the state tournament.”
He ended the interview with the values he wants to instill in the team, “Hard work wins at life. If they aren’t working hard, where will they be? Everyone sees hard work. People are more willing to take someone who works hard and can be depended upon every day. Love/Empathy, In a world where everything or everyone is judged. I hope they show love. Love is a very powerful action and can make or break a culture of any team.”