2025-26 Girls Basketball Preview: Rams point to team chemistry, bonding

Raceland coach Marty Thomas has the program’s all-time scoring leader on his roster, but he still has an important point to make to the rest of the team.

The Rams have roles to fill after the departure of key personnel in the offseason, but several solid players remain. He wants them to grow with senior Nim Maynard, not rely on her for it all.

“Sometimes it could be a little bit of a shell shock,” Thomas said. “They could pass and watch, but you still have to move and cut. What they will come to realize is that she may lead us in scoring, but she also leads us in assists, steals, energy and deflections. If they move and get open, she will find them. I want to see everybody step up and make some shots.

“We have a unique group of young talent. They’re up and coming. They’re learning from one of the best players ever. They’re stepping into some big shoes.”

Thomas has already seen progression and believes the team has the tools to be successful.

“We had a good offseason,” Thomas said. “We went to two summer camps. We ran our traditional June league and we had 23 participating teams. We’re really focused a lot on team bonding. I’m excited for what we have on the floor. The girls are ready for the season. It’s going to be interesting.”

After breaking the career scoring record last year, Maynard sets her sights on team goals this year. Team chemistry has never been an issue, and each player is aware of their responsibilities when they are on the court.

“Everyone knows their roles,” Maynard said. “We have people that come off the bench that play good defense. We have a fast group. We really want to press to get numbers. You have another group that could play better when we play halfcourt. They know their roles and there is no jealousy. We all love each other and we are a family.”

“We have two styles of play depending on our substitutions,” Thomas added. “Sometimes we’ll be playing fast. We will be smaller and quicker, so we can press. During another rotation, there could be a larger lineup. Regardless of the substitutions, we make sure that we do not lose our focus defensively.”

Sophie Maynard utilizes her quickness and athletic ability, gained as a track star, to help her on the floor. Thomas said she has expanded her game in the offseason. Nessa Wright could also take on a leadership role as a senior. She will play in the post and is a solid rebounder. Annie Lyon has already showcased her defensive ability and Thomas said she protects the basketball in the paint. Braylee Tuell can handle the ball and continues to be an outside threat with her jump shot. Thomas said his group of younger players can give the Rams quality minutes.

Thomas brought back Raceland’s holiday event, but it’s called the Ohio River Classic this year. Given the calendar, teams did not want to play and travel on New Year’s Eve.

The Rams coach likes tournaments before January. It helps bring the team closer and it prepares them for the All ‘A’ Tournament.

“I changed it to a panorama to keep some of the committed teams,” Thomas said. “We’re going to Gatlinburg and to Heritage, Tennessee. I want to commit to that trip every fourth year. Everyone who comes to the program gets to play there at least once.”