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Winter Sports Preview: Noble takes the reins

Under the direction of new Head Coach Lacy Noble, the Three Forks High School Girls Basketball team will open the 2022-23 season this week with a road matchup at perennial powerhouse Manhattan Christian and two tough matchups at a tournament in Shelby.

A former assistant for legendary Coach Mike Sauvageau, Noble said she is beyond excited for the opportunity to continue working in the Lady Wolves Basketball program.

"It is a great program with a rich tradition, and I soaked up as much as I could working with Mike Sauvageau the last five years," Noble said.

When the team opens the season, Noble is hoping local fans will get to see a lot of up-tempo games with some outside scoring.

"The first few weeks have been a whirlwind of putting in new stuff and also using some of the old stuff with a twist. But it's been incredibly fun working with the girls in this new capacity and seeing what they are capable of when put into new positions. I have some great assistants that constantly have their eyes on areas that need work, and we are chipping away at weaknesses," Noble said.

After graduating numerous vital players last year, Noble said those seniors paved the way for the younger girls to gain some confidence and get a taste of the next level. She added the team's only returning starter, Bri Warren, has been an awesome leader in practice.

"But I will also be looking to Brielle Davis and Fallon Page to lead the younger girls and be my eyes on the court. My sophomores will be key this year as well," said Noble. "These young girls are going to have to learn quick. They will have to play smart. And they will have to play through their mistakes. We've got some growth to get through that might be a little ugly, but I know they will emerge on the other side doing some great things."

After a December 6 matchup at Manhattan Christian, Three Forks will play Belt and Fairfield in Shelby.

"Our first three games of the season will show us where our weaknesses are. Manhattan Christian returns a couple of incredible ball players, and we will be outsized, so figuring out how our defense can work as a team will be key. Then we head to Shelby and play Belt and Fairfield, two really disciplined teams, and I think our guards will have their hands full. Going up against some of these better teams right off the bat is a little daunting but also looking to it as a great learning experience. In general, I hope our defense is coming together as we changed up a few things. I hope we find the gaps to score, and I hope we can adjust on the fly. I'm looking to see what girls can handle the pressure," Noble said.