UNITED GIRLS BASKETBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 1) WITH CORY LEEK
HANOVERTON OH- The United High School girls basketball team is gearing up for another exciting season under the leadership of Head Coach Cory Leek. In the latest episode of “Coach’s Corner” on YSN, Coach Leek sat down to discuss last season’s lessons, the current roster, and what fans can expect in the 2023-2024 campaign.
Reflecting on the previous season, Coach Leek emphasized the importance of never underestimating opponents, particularly in their highly competitive EOAC league. “We definitely learned last year not to take anybody lightly. We need to be prepared every night,” Leek said, highlighting the unique dynamics of their league where any team can triumph on any given day. The team will see a substantial turnover this year, having lost six seniors who were pivotal in their recent string of league championships. Despite this, Coach Leek is optimistic about the new leadership emerging within the squad. Seniors Bailey McKenzie, Ali Lacey, and Cameron Cody have been named team captains, a decision made unusually early to establish a strong leadership foundation.
The roster also features promising juniors Abby Jones and Marin Scheffler, sophomores Mackenzie Cope and Maisie French, and two freshmen post players, Maile Smith and Reagan Good. “We’re excited about our new faces and the energy they’re bringing to the team,” Coach Leek shared, adding that leadership and drive remain strong within the squad. The schedule this season is a challenging one, designed to prepare the team for both league and tournament play. United will face formidable non-conference foes, including Salem and Marlington, which Coach Leek believes will test and improve his team. “We want to challenge ourselves…we think it’ll help us prepare for our own league games and definitely for tournaments,” he stated.
Coach Leek also expressed enthusiasm about the recent expansion of divisions in high school basketball, which he believes will create opportunities for more evenly matched competition. “The gap will be a little bit closed…it’s exciting to know we’ll be facing teams more comparable in size,” he noted. Rounding out his segment, Coach Leek gave a heartfelt shoutout to his coaching staff, whose dedication and experience are integral to the program’s success. With middle school coaches Stacy Zines and Todd Chart, JV Coach Tim Heidrick, varsity assistant Scott Cope, and his father as an assistant, the squad boasts a collective wealth of knowledge and passion for the game. United fans don’t have to wait long to catch the team in action. The season opener is set for November 22nd at home against Salem. “We play on the first day you’re allowed to play,” Leek said with excitement. It’s this enthusiasm and preparedness that Coach Leek hopes will drive United through another successful basketball season.
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