High school girls basketball: Titans are establishing new traditions and high expectations

SYRACUSE — Last year the Titans were a group of basketball players without a tradition, an identity or senior leadership.

In just a year that has all changed as evidenced by the fact that the 2-year-old school's girls basketball team holds the loftiest of goals this season.

"Last year we didn't have any seniors, and people sort of expected us to lose," said junior Jennifer Hazlett after Syracuse defeated Roy 67-43. "We expect more this year."

When asked what those new goals might include, Hazlett responds without hesitation, "A state championship for sure."

McKayla Williams, who led the team with 22 points and nine rebounds, is one of the team's two seniors, and she agreed expectations have risen.

"We're just ready to give everybody their payback," she said smiling. "I felt we had lots of potential last year; just being a new school, we didn't have any traditions or anything. But we did win some games. This year we're looking for a state championship."

Syracuse head coach Rob Reisbeck isn't surprised by the lofty goals.

"We're still a work in progress, still young," he said. "But I have some of those same expectations of these kids. I believe in these girls. They have all of the talent in the world."

The Titans showed off that talent by jumping out to an early lead in a game that was much more competitive than the final score would indicate. Williams and freshman Brittany Martin were dominating on the boards, with Martin earning 19 points and 12 rebounds. She also grabbed six steals, while Hazlett, who was hampered by foul trouble, pitched in 16 points, four rebounds, four steals and four assists.

The Royals allowed the Titans to jump out to a 12-2 lead before they began playing very impressive defense. Led offensively by senior Krystin Jachim, who scored 18 points, and defensively by Sarah Mager, who grabbed five steals, Roy is a team that will be a contender in 4A this year.

Roy head coach Brock Randall said it was rebounding and some problems on defense that put his team in a hole they couldn't dig out of, even with five 3-point shots.

"They have some great talent," he said of the Titans. "I wished we'd played a game that shows more of what kind of team we are. In our first game we shot the ball well. That didn't happen at times tonight. This was a good eye-opener for us."

Syracuse capitalized on some misplaced passes and had some nice fast-break conversions. Just 2-0 with a tough preseason ahead, the Titans are enjoying a new experience.

"Losing is really hard," said Hazlett. "It lowers your confidence, but we kept it together."

Reisbeck said last year's disappointment provided plenty of motivation to work hard in the off-season and in practices.

"It was a long year last year, but we did spark at the right time," he said. "Just getting to the tournament was a big accomplishment. Tasting that atmosphere at state was huge."

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E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com