Saturday, October 5, 2024

Red Devils hope to rebound after two winless seasons

Posted
By Murray Gleffe

Correspondent


GREEN BAY — The Green Bay East girls’ basketball team has a new head coach in Dwight Hancock for the 2019-20 season.

Hancock has been an integral part of youth sports in the Green Bay area for the better part of a decade.

“I was born and raised in San Diego, California,” said Hancock. “I moved to Green Bay in 2009 and became the unit director of the East Side Boys and Girls Club. I've taken an active role in youth development in the community since the first day I stepped into Green Bay. Working at the club, I interact with lots of kids who attend East and play sports. I frequently attend games of all sports. I feel at home at East, and I'm ready to get this program going. “

The Red Devils have gone 0-45 combined the past two seasons and 0-28 in the Bay Conference.

East has lost every game by double digits or more with the exception of one.

“Changing the culture will not happen overnight,” Hancock said. “As a program, we will connect the culture with accountability as students, players and community members. We will have high expectations on and off the court and be visible in the community.”

East increased its points-per-game production last season by 15 points from the previous year.

Dwight Hancock

The Red Devils have a reason for optimism because they return their two top scorers for the 2019-20 season.

The offense will center around Nia Weathersby and Deonjonae Morris.

As a sophomore, Weathersby averaged more than seven points and nine rebounds a game.

Morris chipped in six points a contest as a freshman.

“Nia Weathersby is a natural leader, physical and is always looking to improve,” said Hancock. “DJ Morris is extremely athletic, a great communicator on the court and doesn't shy away from physical play. Judit Munoz-Lopez is a tough guard with great vision and a good mid-range game.”

Others who could make an impact include Teagan Delarwelle and Munoz-Lopez.

Many of the girls on the roster have not won a high school basketball game, so setting goals can be difficult.

Hancock said keeping it simple will be the best medicine.

“Taking care of academics is always first,” he said. “Teaching fundamental basketball, values of discipline, humility and commitment to basketball and other areas in life will be my philosophy.”

San Diego is far away from Green Bay, but both shared common traits when Hancock was still living on the coast – both had NFL teams with the Chargers and Packers.

“Knowing your home stadium was the home of the Green Bay Packers is monumental,” Hancock said on working at East. “You have a sense of pride you are part of a rich history at East. From Curly Lambeau to Harry Boyce and Jaida Reynen, greatness comes through East High School.”


Green Bay East girls’ basketball schedule

11/23 – Sheboygan South

12/2 – Marinette

12/3 – @ Wausau East – 7:15 p.m.

12/6 – Shawano Community

12/10 – @ Oconto – 7:30 p.m.

12/12 – @ Menasha

12/14 – Greenfield – 5 p.m.

12/17 – @ Seymour

12/20 – @ Green Bay West

12/27 – Sheboygan Falls

1/4 – Algoma

1/9 – Xavier

1/14 – New London

1/17 – West De Pere

1/21 – @ Shawano – 7:15 p.m.

1/24 – Menasha

1/30 – Seymour

2/1 – Green Bay West – 5:30 p.m.

2/4 – Shiocton

2/7 – @ Xavier

2/13 – @ New London

2/20 – @ West De Pere

Editor’s note: All games begin at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

academics, basketball, dwight hancock, green bay east, schedule