There were growing pains in Terrance Williams’ first season as Greenwood’s girls’ basketball coach.

Despite having eight seniors, Greenwood had an up-and-down season while finishing 14-17. The Lady Gators were able to beat Bowling Green and had hopes of a trip to the Region 4 Tournament after finishing tied with the Lady Purples in the district standings in the regular season, but were routed by South Warren in the opening round of the District 14 Tournament.

While Greenwood loses plenty of experience Williams remains confident, with a full offseason to work with the returning players. The cupboard may appear bare on the outside, but Williams is excited about the potential.

“Walking in the door last year I had eight seniors, so I just wanted to acclimate myself,” Williams said. “This year I am taking more of an approach of what I think we need to do to be truly successful.”

Greenwood will have to replace leading scorer Leia Trinh, one of the most productive offensive players in the program’s history. The six-year starter led the Lady Gators with 19.1 points per game last season.

With Trinh gone, Williams will turn to eighth grader Anzlee Hendrix to take the next step and lead the backcourt. Hendrix appeared in 25 games last season, averaging a little over three points a night.

“That can’t be replaced, what Leia did for us, but we are going to ask a ton from (Hendrix),” Williams said. “She’s ready to go. It stressful sometimes dealing with an eighth grader off the court, but we will be OK.”

The frontcourt brings back a little more experience with seniors Gracyn Nealon and Savannah White, and freshman Molly Spidel.

White is the leading returning scorer, while Nealon averaged almost seven rebounds a night. Williams said he has high expectations for Nealon, who he can see as a post player that Greenwood’s offense can revolve around.

Nealon said she is ready for the challenge.

“I’m very excited,” Nealon said. “I’ve been working on my post moves … and I have been working on my 3-point shot. I’ve worked on my toughness, but I am still working on it.”

Madilyn Hunt rounds out the senior class. Greenwood’s roster includes two juniors – Kate Cowan and Ava Morrison – with a handful of sophomores, two freshmen and another eight grader rounding out the roster.

“I think it starts with the work and they have been working extremely hard,” Williams said. “The practices have been extremely hard, but they are not running from it. They are answering every question that I have for them.”

Williams is hopeful that hard work can pay off in a challenging district – with Bowling Green once again expected to lead the way, and South Warren and Warren Central also looming.

“Our district and what you have to deal with, it is what it is,” Williams said. “We appreciate it. Hopefully it makes us better. Instead of running from teams like Bowling Green, trying to go in and play them heads up – I think that makes us better.”