With a new coach leading the way, the Taylorsville girls basketball team has some questions marks heading into the 2024–25 season. But there’s room for optimism, too. 

The Warriors are coming off a 13-10 season, a 7-3 finish in Region 4. Taylorsville was second in the league standings in 2023–24 and narrowly lost a first-round Class 5A state playoff game to Woods Cross. 

This year, first-year head coach Justin Hadlock inherits a youthful but hungry, skilled squad. Hadlock is keeping the team’s goals simple. 

“We have a lot of young talent, so it’s difficult to set concrete goals at this point,” he said. “Our only expectation is that we will compete. As long as we do that, we’ll be proud of where we end up at the end of the year.”

The Warriors lost most of last season’s starters to graduation or by transfer. Hadlock is eager to see what the new group of girls is made of, but he said he’s unsure exactly what to expect. He plans on playing faster than the team has in the past and getting up and down the floor in transition. 

“Making comparisons to the previous season is difficult,” he said. “I expect our play style will be quite different. We’ll be playing at a much faster pace, and I hope we can maintain efficiency with this up-tempo approach. I guess we will see if that transfers to some wins.”

Hadlock said success this season hinges upon whether the girls can come together and play as a single unit. Team unity and camaraderie will be critical, he said. Still, he believes there is potential for the Warriors to have a strong season. 

“With a new coach, a new system and nearly all new starters, our success will depend on our ability to get on the same page. If we can learn to play together quickly, we have the potential to be very good.”

Seniors Sophie Buhler, Ruby Corona and Siulose Jones will lead the team. Hadlock will turn to the trio to help bring the other players along and to produce on the court. Buhler and Corona saw a little time on the court a season ago. Jones was a reserve player as well, scoring two points a game and pulling down 23 total rebounds. She also had 21 assists and 19 steals last season while connecting on eight three-pointers. She’ll need to contribute much more this season for the Warriors to be successful. 

“With [Buhler], [Corona] and [Jones], their leadership will be crucial for our success,” Hadlock said. “While their impact may not always reflect on the stat sheet, it will be vital if we want to compete in our region and the rest of 5A.”

In early practices, Hadlock liked what he saw from the girls athleticism and tenacity. He believes the Warriors could be good on the defensive end of the court. He wants the girls to stay focused and mentally tough. 

“We are a very athletic and aggressive team, capable of applying significant pressure defensively and taking advantage of opportunities in the open court,” he said. “However, that intensity could also become our biggest weakness. It's my responsibility to harness the energy the girls bring.”

All teams have areas of the game to work on, and Taylorsville is no different. Having a new coaching staff and almost entirely new roster makes the task for the Warriors even more challenging this season. 

Hadlock acknowledges that coaching changes can be difficult, and it isn’t always easy for players to adapt to new philosophies and expectations. He and his assistants are working hard to establish a new identity and culture. 

“Our biggest challenge will undoubtedly be internal,” he said. “Can we set aside our individuality for the benefit of the team? Are we ready to embrace a new system and a different style of play? Coach Jewkes before me was a great coach, but we have different approaches. This shift has been significant for the girls who have been part of the program in recent years. It will take time for us to come together. The key for all of us is to practice some patience during the season and grow together. I expect some bumps along the way, but I think we can work through them before region begins in January.”

The Warriors began the season at Cottonwood on Nov. 22, followed by the home opener against East on Nov. 26. Taylorsville has a slate of six December contests as the team prepares for Region 4 play. It also faces Layton Christian and Fremont in early January to round out non-region contests. The Warriors tip off Region 4 action Jan. 10 at home against Hunter. 

What the team may lack in experience, it hopes to make up for in other areas. 

The Warriors have no shortage of energy, and Hadlock said the players bring an infectious attitude to the gym every day. He is grateful to lead the Taylorsville program. 

“This group has an incredible spirit,” he said. “These girls love to compete and have a genuine passion for basketball. They bring a lot of fun to practices; it’s not uncommon to see them dancing and singing around the gym. There’s an infectious energy at Taylorsville and with this group. I’m excited for our fans to get to know these girls throughout the season. We’re going to be a really entertaining team to watch.”