With a decorated career that includes recently becoming Tennessee’s all-time winningest girls basketball head coach, Clarkrange Lady Buffaloes Head Coach Lamar Rogers is showing no signs of slowing down as he prepares for another season.
Rogers said he emphasizes growth and experience for his players entering his 49th season as girls basketball coach. Coming off a 22-12 record last season that saw the Lady Buffaloes fall within one game of a state tournament appearance, Rogers said he is focused on player growth and gaining experience for another competitive run.
“We try to get a whole season in,” Rogers said. “You got to make them a year older, and we can get maybe 20 games in, so that’s close to a regular season. it gives them more experience.”
The Lady Buffaloes spent the off-season traveling across the Upper Cumberland region, appearing in summer camps from Coffee County to Lebanon, as well as competing in the BCAT tournament alongside teams in 4A and 3A. For Rogers and his squad, the exposure to strong competition early has already paid dividends.
“[The off-season] has really helped us get better,” Rogers said. “We’re playing some really good teams and we’ve been successful against them. It’s given these girls confidence.”
Clarkrange will be led by three seniors this season, guards Sophia Sitton, Katelyn Cottle, and Lydia Phillips. Rogers said he looks to see the starters set the tone on the court.
“We’re going to be a quicker team,” Rogers said. “Lost some height, but we feel really comfortable in how we’re doing and how we’re playing.”
Rogers will look to add to his 1351 coaching wins and eight state championships attained throughout his career.
