First year head coach Todd Reynolds faces the task of molding a young Pike County Lady Bulldogs team consisting mostly of eighth- and ninth-graders.

“When you come into a situation where expectations have been low for so long, you have to make some drastic steps,” Reynolds said. “Sometimes that may result in having to invest in young ones and getting them used to your system so that when they become juniors or seniors, you have the program where you want it to be.”

Even if the program is in rebuilding mode doesn’t mean the players or the coaches are thirsty to pick up as many wins as possible for the program.

“I am greedy,” Reynolds said. “I want to win this year. I am going to put the best product out there that gives us the best chance to win. At the same time, if I can invest in a young team in that process then I’m killing two birds with one stone.”

Principal Willie Wright hired Reynolds with the goal of changing the program.

“I am very appreciative of Mr. Wright for the opportunity to bring my over 20 years of coaching experience to Pike County,” Reynolds said.

Reynolds comes to Pike County after coaching stints at Wicksburg, Stanhope Elmore, Escambia Academy in Atmore as well as Dauphin Junior High School. During those stints Reynolds coached both boys and girls programs.

And despite working with a young team, he expects intensity both during practice and during the games.

“There will be no lack of intensity. We will have an intense product on that court. That is the Pike way to do things. We are going to play hard.”

The Bulldogs plan on pressing their defenders in hopes of creating multiple turnovers in hopes of giving their offense the opportunity for easy baskets.

“It’s a more exciting brand of basketball to watch,” Reynolds said. “We have a good level of speed. We are very quick and fast. We transition really well. The potential for a lot of points are there. It’s all about using the fundamentals that these younger players are learning.”

The season ultimately will depend on how quickly and how well the players adapt to the new system.

“My goal is to always make the playoffs,” Reynolds said.

“My goal this year is to get double-digit wins. I think that would be a realistic goal for us. They have to believe. If they buy in there is no telling what they could accomplish.”

The Lady Bulldogs tip off their upcoming season in a game that is to be announced.