Lady Panthers senior wants to be ‘more than ready’

Progression in basketball appears to have more to do with what happens in the summer than during the season.

The development in a player’s skill set, maturity and basketball IQ are now expected to take positives steps. That means a more polished player for the forthcoming season. That’s what Colleyville Heritage senior Angel Guyton is hoping this summer will mean for her.

A complimentary player for most of the 2014-2015 campaign in which the Lady Panthers advanced to the playoffs, Guyton should play more of a primary role in 2015-2016. The 5-10 small/power forward has been working on her three-point shot and becoming a more tenacious rebounder for her 17U Believe team.

The squad went through a camp at Texas Tech two weeks ago and is about to embark on an arduous July schedule. That will include a trip to a national tournament in Chicago.

“This summer has been better than hoped,” Guyton said. “I found a team and a personal trainer. Those are helping me work on things so I can play at a high level. I want to be more than ready.”

Guyton transferred to Colleyville Heritage from Kennedale for the second semester of her sophomore year (2013-2014). She spent that season with the junior varsity team. But head coach Dianna Sager moved her to the varsity last year.

She came off the bench before moving into a starting role toward the end of the season. She averaged about three points and three rebounds per game. Guyton didn’t have problems scoring around the basket. But if she is going to help the Lady Panthers and her chances to play in college, she knows she has to start extending her range.

Guyton has spent a lot of time working on her three-point shot. She’s added a weight training program that focuses on her legs, which should help the foundation of her shot. She’s also been fine-tuning where she is when it comes to blocking out and sealing off her opposite number on rebounds.

“My three-point shot is something that Coach Sager really wanted me to focus on,” Guyton said. “I wasn’t as comfortable at first, but I’m starting to get there. I feel really comfortable about my eight- to 10-foot jumper with hook and fade away jumper, and pretty positive about the 12- to 15-foot shot. I just want to make sure that this becomes a stronger part of my game.”

Her experience with the Believe team has put her in position where she has developed into more of a leader. While this is a new group of players she is working with, Guyton said she is one of the older players and has tried to become more of a leader with them. She’s tried to be more vocal.

“I thought it would be hard for me to find a way to engage the other players,” she said. “But the time at Texas Tech and talking to the other players was really important for me.”

Guyton’s interaction with college programs has been light to this point. She’s seen some interested from a Division II program in Kansas Wesleyan. But the tournaments in July – college coaches are allowed to evaluate for three different weekends – will allow more coaches to see her.

“I’m really excited about the future,” she said. “All I can do is give my best and see what happens.”

This story was originally published June 29, 2015 at 3:48 PM with the headline "Lady Panthers senior wants to be ‘more than ready’."