Lady Muckers Gear Up for an Exciting Season

After an intense off-season, the Virginia City Lady Muckers are entering the 2025-26 basketball season with their eye on the prize.

“I don't see any reason why we shouldn't be appearing in state this year,” said Head Coach Tyler Clarke.

The players feel the same way, too. When asked to describe the team in one word, Tesla Turley replied with “Winners.”

Clarke noted that one of the biggest improvements he saw in the off-season was the team's physical condition. “Physical conditioning, I think, is another huge thing that I see as an improvement for us. The girls are taking it a lot more serious,” said Clarke.

He also touched on the large amount of young talent entering the program this season. 

“I'm excited about a couple of freshmen that are coming up, that are going to be here for the long term…I think they're doing really well,” he said. 

Clarke will be joined on the bench this season by former player Kori Johnson. Johnson was a key player on the 2020 state championship team and is excited to come back as an assistant coach.

“I mean, it feels good. I'm really excited for it. The girls seem energetic and happy, so I'm energetic and happy as well,” she said.

The players certainly seem happy to have her, as well. 

“She's really nice. She helps us with a lot of our stuff, like our shots, and she's just really fun to be around, and she makes practice better,” said Turley.

Johnson touched on the culture of the team, “We are all Muckers, we are all one big family. So, (we) stand together.”

The Lady Muckers have stepped into new roles after the large number of seniors who graduated last year. Kaiya Krum, Danika Baker, and Tesla Turley have accepted their roles as leaders, taking the younger players under their wings.

“I'll step up and help them wherever they need, whenever they need anything,” said Baker. 

Coming off a season-ending injury last year, sophomore Haylee Walters is anxious for the upcoming season. 

“There's definitely a lot of pressure just being an underclassman, but I just need to keep leading and pushing others to do better,” she said.

With these mindsets, the Lady Muckers are sure to have a great season. They started out strong at home with a 59-12 win over the Debbie Smith Mavericks. 

Coach Clarke’s key girls matchups to watch out for this season:

• VC at Pyramid Lake - Jan. 6, 5:30 p.m.
• VC at Smith Valley - Jan. 8, 5:30 p.m.
• VC vs. Smith Valley - Jan 24, 4 p.m.
• VC vs. Pyramid Lake - Jan 31, 4 p.m.