Grace Edwards is an ASU student assigned to cover Dobson High by AZPreps365.

Even with the upcoming season in jeopardy from COVID-19, Dobson basketball coach Rick McConnell was never more excited in his 38-year career to welcome his team back for practice last fall. 

Following the AIA’s decision to reverse the cancellation of winter sports, McConnell and his team seek a sense of normalcy as they navigate this demanding time. 

“Being around these kids and being with them is the best thing in the world,” said McConnell. “It’s like the mental health part of it, the feel-good about it, the getting them back in a routine is amazing.” 

As a history teacher, McConnell said it helped grow the connection with his players even more. As a result of spending so much time together and even working one-on-one when needed, they treat each other like family.

Amid the pandemic, the team has had to make sacrifices in the flexibility of its schedule. With the number of players who attend practice frequently changing, McConnell has felt obligated in modifying his coaching style in the best interest of his players and their health. 

A significant change the team has had to make this season is the limitation of fans. Only two parents or legal guardians per player are allowed to attend the games. 

“It's much easier to hear each other. I think there’s more communication,” senior and three-year varsity player Logan Blanchard said. 

Despite the difficulty of having to wear a mask at all times, the players have quickly adapted to what could be seen as a major setback.

“Wearing a mask is like ‘drowning’, it feels like you’re having an asthma attack,” Junior starter Denton Latimore said. “But it’s just an obstacle we can overcome.”

Both Logan and Denton said the reopening of winter sports gives athletes something to look forward to, especially the ones with no college hope. It’s also giving them another chance to be seen by scouts. It’s an escape from their day-to-day life. 

Moving forward with a 2-5 record and with the potential of losing players, the team plans to keep the dynamic and the structure of its game simple.

“What we’re trying to do right now is just become better at simple things defensively and on offense just passing the ball and guarding people. It’s kind of monotonous but that’s the key and it’ll get us to play better,” McConnell said.