Harding men’s and women’s basketball is underway with both teams hoping to stay focused and on top of their games.
Both teams have begun regular practice to develop skills and team dynamics.
Senior guard Peyton Padgett said her focus this season is improvement for herself as a player and for her team.
“My main goal this season is to win games playing at a high level and continuing to better myself and my teammates each day,” Padgett said. “I get to play with people who value me as more than a basketball player but as a person. All of my teammates want to see me grow both on and off the court.”
Women’s Head Basketball Coach Tim Kirby said the team wants to compete to the best of their ability every game.
“We didn’t have any seniors last year, and we brought in five new players,” Kirby said. “We go in to every season with a clean slate. Our players know our expectations, so we don’t really worry about anything. We just want to work hard and do it together.”
The opening matchup for Harding men’s basketball will be at Arkansas State in Jonesboro beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Oct. 30.
According to Head Coach Jeff Morgan, strengths for the men’s team are that they are young, have great size and have depth. With the regular season quickly approaching, Morgan emphasized how playing together will only challenge the team to mature and improve on the court.
“As a team, our main goal is always to work in such a way to become the best possible team we can have for that year,” Morgan said. “To commit to the process and allow the results to take care of themselves, and I believe this team has the opportunity to have a really fun year as a team because of our chemistry and love for each other. I believe it can be a team that can continue to grow throughout the year and improve each day.”