Lady Dragons heat up basketball competition

By Kevin Goode
Paraglide

January 26, 2012

	Photo by Kevin Goode/Paraglide Octavia Blackwell, Headquarters and Headquarters Co, 508th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, spots up for an 18-foot jumper from the wing Thursday during Fort Bragg’s Lady Dragons practice at Hoskins Physical Fitness Center.

Fort Bragg’s Lady Dragons bring more than competitive excellence to the court, they give each other a sense of Family and support.

“As coach, I wanted to ensure that we had a close-knit team of ladies who had a passion for playing basketball,” said Charlie Davis, the team’s coach “This team is a place where players who have had a desire to play above the company level can get the opportunity. I have had several player who went through our program go on to play college basketball, semi-pro and even the All-Army Team.”

Davis has been in charge of Fort Bragg’s woman’s team for 10 years, winning an impressive, long list of tournament and championships.

“We bring it all on the court,” said Davis. “Teams know when they are on the court with Fort Bragg. They know that they really have to step up if they want to compete with us.”

Assistant coach Verna Staten-Butler, a Family member prides herself in specializing in defensive basketball.

“I have the dragon eye when it comes to basketball,” said Staten-Butler. “I can spot a lot of times what opposing teams are trying to do to us and I help make adjustments.”

Each year Butler makes it her personal goal to find what it is that motivates her team and uses it to help guide them.

“I love finding that missing link in these girls.” said Butler. “Teaching a team to do well is about more than just performing. Our team has to outsmart our opponent.”

The team has a host of strong leaders who help shape and mold the young players from first time they attend practice.

This team offers much more than a place for team to compete, said Rosalyn Ricketts, shooting guard and an Army Reservist. “The Family atmosphere that comes along with being a part of this team is invaluable to some of the team. Without this team, some of us wouldn’t be able to make it as well.”

Fort Bragg’s Lady Dragons is more than a place for players to improve their skills on the court. The team offers a place to be a part of a Family.

“If you really have basketball in your heart and you really want to make a difference and you want to take your basketball skills to another level, then this is the place for you to start,” said Davis.

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