DP girls basketball team embraces rebuilding year

ORLANDO — Anthony Jones has a new challenge on his hands this winter.

The coach who guided the Dr. Phillips girls basketball program to dynasty status, winning consecutive state championships in 2011, 2012 and 2013 and traveling around the country for invitation-only national tournaments, has an outlook for the 2014-15 season that is unlike any he has had in recent memory — the Panthers are rebuilding.

Dr. Phillips has just one returning player from a season ago,  a reserve from the 2013-14 team, and no one is around from the run of three championships. The lack of experience likely will make for some long nights as this year’s Panthers look to build a new identity.

“They’re good kids, and they want to come in and learn and try to compete,” Jones said. “It’s unfortunate, but we’re in an area where we’re going to take some blows for the first time in a long time.”

Through two games, losses to Olympia and West Orange, Dr. Phillips’ problems are evident. The Panthers scored just 35 points between the two games and had trouble getting stops. Jones said a big factor in how far the team comes this season will be how quickly the basketball IQ of the team’s leaders grows.

“All of the girls on the team have no varsity experience,” Jones said. “I toned down the offense. Kind of cut the offense in half, cut the defense in half. I’m just going to be a teacher this year.”

Although she did not play much a season ago, guard Jah-Nay Anderson runs the offense for Dr. Phillips and has looked promising early in the season. 

“She’s a senior, so she knows what she needs to do,” Jones said, adding that the growth of the rest of his backcourt will play a big role in how much Anderson can progress this season.

Dr. Philips (0-2) played Jones and Ocoee after the time of publication for this edition and will take a break for the Thanksgiving holiday before returning to action.

The Panthers will face Winter Haven at 12:30 p.m. Nov. 28, and St. Augustine at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 29, with both games taking place at Dr. Phillips.

The Panthers will host the defending state champion Wekiva Mustangs at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2. 

Contact Steven Ryzewski at [email protected].