By Chris Parker
Billings girls basketball has a new head coach in Justin Wilson this season. This is his first head coaching position after previously serving as an assistant in the New Covenant and Aurora boys basketball programs.
“One of my goals has always been to have the opportunity to have my own program,” Wilson said. “Coaching is something that I’ve always taken pride in, and I love the reward of it. From my past experiences coaching girls’ teams, I’ve always felt like girls have always given that extra grit. Some of this could be because I’m a Girl Dad. After meeting most of the student athletes, that just solidified my choice. I am excited for my future with Billings Lady Wildcats Basketball program.”
There are some key players returning for Billings from last season’s 12-win team.
Mackenzie Clendenning and Ryleigh Gearing are both back for their senior seasons.
“She (Clendenning) is an all-district all-conference player who has great work ethic and is a great leader and teammate. She handles the ball well, can shoot from all ranges, and has no problem attacking the rim. She has great athleticism and speed which helps her on the defensive side of the ball as well,” Wilson said. “(Gearing) is an all-conference player who has a great work ethic. She is definitely our vocal leader and is a great teammate. Ryleigh does whatever it takes on the floor to put the team in the best situation to win. She is a tough, physical player who can score, pass, and defend well.”
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Sophomores Kyla Essick and Georgia Vesci along with junior Lancey-Joe Bellamy also return.
Wilson on Essick: “She is very athletic, plays extremely hard and is tough as anyone. Great on the glass and can score the ball. Look for more of a role as an added scorer.”
Wilson on Vesci: “She is very athletic and quick. She plays both sides of the ball well. She has already shown signs of helping on the scoring side as a freshman and we will look to utilize that.”
Wilson on Bellamy: “Great team player, selfless with the ball. I look for her to take more shots this year as she can shoot the ball well. Another athletic player who I look to have a breakout year.”
Brooke Collison (junior), Ashlyn Tutterrow (sophomore), Alexa Garbee (freshman), Kess Graham (junior), Emma Garbee (sophomore), Bailey Newell (freshman), Addison Cline (freshman), Emersyn Dixon (freshman) and Allison Williams (freshman) are all newcomers to watch.
Collison and Tutterrow return after missing last season. Garbee is a long and quick athlete who will look to have an immediate impact.
“I believe one of our biggest strengths will be the unity between the players,” Wilson said. “Outside of that, we have great senior leaders who have played all four years on varsity, and we have a great group of young athletic girls that are capable and ready for what’s to come.”
Billings opens the Justin Wilson era Nov. 27 through Dec. 1 at the Everton Tournament.
“Entering the season under a different coach can bring added challenges such as system changes and the time to understand one another,” Wilson said. “However, we are going to go through that as one and so far the transition has been great. The girls need to understand that their roles are changing this year. Some of these young ladies will be taking on a much larger role and I need them to be prepared for that.”
