CHENEY – When Ken Ryan made the decision to jump from the girls’ basketball head coaching job to the athletics director’s chair at Cheney High School, he did not have to go far to find a replacement.
It came from the same team bench with his assistant coach Meredith Richards. She has 18 years coaching in various roles ranging from youth to high school.
“I’m excited for this year,” Richards said at the Nov. 18 media day at CHS. “We’ve got a bunch of really good people, good humans that are here and are going to show up every day.”
It’s one of those “baby steps” processes that Ryan began two seasons ago when hired away from Deer Park.
But Richards was a part of a year ago. The Blackhawks come off a last place finish in Greater Spokane League play in 2022-23 with a 1-8 record, 6-14 overall.
“As far as stepping into his place, I just want to keep going with the same ideas that he had as being the team competing every day, and just challenging ourselves to get better,” Richards said.
Cheney lost notable talent in Tatum Sloane (point guard), Shauna Elliot (post), Melissa Larson (wing) and CC Morton (wing).
But the new crop of seniors, “Will be the backbone of the team,” Richards said.
That begins with Paige Evans, the senior starting point guard.
“As a 3-year starter she will bring great court vision and awareness, experience and knowledge of the game to help lead the team on many levels,” according to Richards.
Evans was injured for a lot of last season and Richards knows she is eager to get her senior season underway.
Senior Macey Richards, also a third-year starter, will be a presence on the inside.
“Macey averaged 7.5 points per game, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks last year and should be a big contributor this season,” Richards said.
The remaining part of the roster will be populated with players who had experience on varsity last season, along with some newcomers. That will help them to become familiar with the level of play.
“It’ll be a fun team to watch grow,” Richards said.
What has Richards seen early in the process?
“Speed, we have some fast girls so I’m hoping to build on that as far as our offense and our defense goes,” Richards said.
Whatever Cheney tosses at its GSL opponents, it better be good.
“Spokane is a hotspot for your AAU teams and your competitive leagues and your travel teams,” Richards said.
Richards will counter with what she sees as Cheney’s strengths — multi-sport athletes.
Richards estimated 32 out of 45 of her athletes played fall sports. “I think it will help us in certain areas versus playing those teams that are very strong basketball programs.”
“I think that’s always going to be a struggle, but it’s something I think we can rise to the occasion to,” Richards added.
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