Lady Cats coach ready for challenge

TEXICO — Jeff Reed has never coached girls basketball before, but said he’s ready for the opportunity.

A 1992 Clovis High graduate, Reed on Monday was named the Lady Wildcats’ coach, replacing Miles Watters.

“There’ll be some differences, but the way I look at it basketball is basketball,” he said Tuesday between games in a summer league at Texico High School. “We’ll make adjustments as we go through the summer. I think it’s going to be a good experience overall.”

Reed, 34, spent the 2007-08 school year as boys basketball coach at the CHS Freshman Center. He has previous high school boys head coaching experience at Clayton, Pampa and Dalhart.

Watters, the state’s all-time winningest high school coach, relinquished the position in early April after seven years at the helm. He replaced longtime coach Dale Severson in 2001 and led the Lady Cats to three Class 5A state championship games, winning the title with a 30-0 team in 2005.

“I knew both of those coaches,” Reed said. “Dale Severson was the coach when I was in high school, and I always thought he was a great coach.

“It’s big shoes to fill.”

Still, he’s anxious to put his own stamp on the program.

Senior guard Jadee Isler said the Lady Cats expect to play an uptempo style.

“I’m really excited about him being here,” she said. “I’ve known him this year through (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) at the high school. He’s a really good, Christian man.

“I want to have a real good senior year. His methods work, so I’m hoping it works out for us.”

Reed said he’s looking to fill out a staff. Regina Downing hasn’t made a decision about coming back to coach next season while Gabe Apodaca, who was among the applicants for the position, will give up his basketball duties and stay with his assistant’s positions in volleyball and girls track.

The third assistant, Josh Littlejohn, is taking a coaching position at a high school in western Kansas.