By Chris Parker
Bradleyville girls basketball will be young but experienced this season with nine letterwinners returning from last season’s five-win team.
“This year our biggest strengths will be our ability to defend and hustle throughout the whole game,” Bradleyville head coach Emily Todd said. “We are small and quick which will help our fast-paced style of game on offense. I look for us to be strong defensively and let that create our offense. Additionally, despite our youth, we will be experienced as many of my returning players have significant varsity experience from last year.”
Juniors Harley Guerin and Emma Smith are the two returning staters.
Guerin averaged 11.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 3.6 steals per game last season.
“Harley is the player that every coach wants,” Todd said. “She had a fantastic sophomore season as our point guard and I look for her to build on that as a junior. Her high basketball IQ and relentless work ethic are her best assets and allow her to stuff the stat sheet each contest. Offensively, she is a playmaker, has a knack for getting into the paint, and found her 3-point shot last season. Defensively, she is gritty, and brings a ton of energy to the team, which will gain her a tough defensive assignment each night.”
Smith added in 3.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
“Emma worked hard last season and earned herself a starting position,” Todd said. “Her sheer grit and never back down attitude are valuable to our team’s success. She proved to be one of our smartest players that had a knack for positioning herself in great places. This season, I look for her to gain confidence with the ball in her hand and increase her offensive production. Defensively, she will be asked to shut down opposing team’s guards and continue to rebound despite her small frame.”
The other returning lettermen include Arica Todd, Sierra Sims, Abby VanWinsen, Neveah Briley, Oivia Rogers, Hailey Stafford and Shiann Stafford.
Coach Todd on Arica Todd: “Arica is our returning sixth man from last season who will be asked to take a more prominent role this season. Her ability to play any spot on the court is her best asset and it will be utilized to the full extent this year. You will be hard pressed to find a player who displays as much passion as Arica each night. Defensively, she is aggressive, plays much larger than her frame, and attacks the glass well. Offensively we will build on last year’s ability to attack the basket while also adding in some confidence while shooting the ball.”
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Coach Todd on Sims: “Sierra had a phenomenal freshman season for us last year. She is a natural shooter who is learning how to expand her offensive game. This summer she grew more confident in her ability to score and defend in the post, and I look for her to be an impact player for us at the varsity level.”
Coach Todd on VanWinsen: “Abby is one of the most naturally athletic players I have ever coached. Her ability to play inside and out on both ends of the court will be a large factor for us this season. Abby had a great summer, where she gained a lot of strength. This will be important when her number is called to play in the paint for us.”
Coach Todd on Briley: “Neveah is a returning sophomore who played quite a bit of varsity minutes late in the season. She is a true point guard who is growing in her ball handling every day. Her defense will be a big factor for us. She has quick hands and is great at causing chaos for the opposing team’s guards.”
Coach Todd on Rogers: “Olivia was primarily a JV player for us last season, but I look for her to contribute significant varsity minutes for us this season. She is strong and understands her role in the post very well. Being one of the tallest girls on the team, I will look to her for rebounds and anchoring any defense we play.”
Coach Todd on Hailey Stafford: “Hailey is a returning junior who played primarily JV last season. She is a streaky shooter who has great hands on defense. As she becomes more accustomed to the varsity level, I look for her to contribute significant minutes for us this season.”
Coach Todd on Shiann Stafford: “Shiann is a returning sophomore who played JV last year for us. As she becomes more confident and gains more experience, she will accumulate varsity minutes.”
Senior Devyn Bergjans along with freshmen Ashton Carter and Sydney Maggard will look to carve out varsity roles.
Todd on Bergjans: “Devyn was a JV only player last season whose season was cut short for medical reasons. I am looking forward to watching her play in her final year as a Lady Eagle. She has a fantastic work ethic and leads by example. As she gains more experience, I look for her to be an impact player for us.”
Todd on Carter: “Ashton is a freshman who I am expecting big things from this season. She is extremely athletic and has a high basketball IQ. Her ability to drive and shoot will stretch defenses and give our offense another weapon. Defensively, she is quick and aggressive which will fit perfectly into our defensive scheme. As she builds on her experience from the summer, I believe she will be a tremendous asset to our program.”
Todd on Maggard: “Sydney is a freshman who lets her work ethic speak for itself. She is quiet, but aggressive and will not back down from a challenge. Her defensive ability to guard the post will be important to us this season. I am excited to see her grow and learn this year in the high school setting.”
Bradleyville opens the regular season on Nov. 20 at Seymour.
“Last year was a season of tremendous growth for myself and the players,” Todd said. “Not only did these girls learn how to compete at the varsity level, but they also learned how to come together, lay it all on the line, and work for something that was bigger than themselves. These girls are eager to get back on the court and get to work. This season, I look for us to build on last year’s success of a fast-paced but smart game. We are small, so our speed will be an advantage. I look for our reputation for each game to be exciting with aggressive, heads up defense, and transition offense. Additionally, we will hang our hats on our core values of teamwork, hard work, grit, and the relentless pursuit of our goals.”
