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The Lady Dinos basketball team is eager to compete in a new region this upcoming season. With the change, Carbon moves into arguably the toughest region in 3A.
“We are looking forward to it,” said head coach Ted Bianco. “It will be more competitive and we will have to step up to the challenge. It will help us in the end of the year.” The Lady Dinos blew through their competition last year before stalling out at the state tournament. They are hoping to avoid a similar scenario this year and that their tough schedule sets them up to make a run at the end of the year.
Four of Carbon’s five starters are coming back this year, including Abbie Saccomanno (Sr.), Jordan Bianco (Sr.), Makenna Blanc (Jr.) and Cora Lamborn (Sr.). Brenna Tabone’s (Sr.) experience will also benefit the Lady Dinos. Although it will be an seasoned group, injuries have already slowed down a couple Lady Dinos. As a result, Carbon may play a smaller lineup than usual this year. The Dinos will also need to rely on quality minutes from those off the bench, including a large sophomore class.
Bianco stated, “Our goals don’t change year from year. Our goals are to play together, be a top defensive team in the state and finish as high as possible at state.” Bianco continued, “We stress defense every day in practice.” Carbon is looking to build off a strong finish to the summer season where it was runner up at a competitive tournament in Las Vegas. “I felt good where we ended our summer,” commented Bianco.
The Dinos have their work cut out for them from the git-go as they play in many difficult tournaments this preseason. Things will not get easier once region play begins, so the team is expected to compete in each contest and continuously make strides. “We are looking forward to another great year. I’m are excited for our kids.” Bianco concluded, “I am interested to see where we finish in a tough league.”