By Chris Parker
East Newton girls basketball has a new head coach in Marty Rinehart this season. Rinehart has experience with East Newton after coaching the girls program from 2011 through 2014. He has been coaching in the junior high program for the past decade.
“I have been coaching youth and junior for the last 10 years. When the job came open, I was glad to be able to coach a lot of girls that I have coached over that time,” Rinehart said.
Junior Kadie Sesay along with sophomores Hallie Cook and Lilah Sesay return.
Rinehart on Kadie Sesay:” Kadie had a really nice sophomore year and played really well this summer. She can be effective on both ends of the floor and is a natural rebounder, which we will really be looking for.”
Rinehart on Cook: “Hallie is an aggressive defender and improving offensive player. She really came on last year as the season progressed. Has a lot of potential, expect her to play a significant role.”
Rinehart on Lilah Sesay: “Lilah is a natural offensive player. Excited to work with her every day and challenge her to continue to work on all areas of her game.”
Sophomore Ella Marion and junior Courtney Bradshaw will be newcomers.
Rinehart on Marion: “Ella Marion played mostly JV last year and did a nice job. Had a really good summer and is continually getting better on both ends. She is working hard and will have a chance to have a significant role.”
Rinehart on Bradshaw: “Courtney Bradshaw also played mostly JV last season. She will be a great teammate. Look forward to seeing her in the gym to see what kind of role she can fill.”
Maggie Marion, Kolby Rinehart, Sylvia Larsen, Kaylea Holmes, Makaila Gregg, Sydney Jacobs and Nomi Tial are all freshmen who could find time on varsity.
“We have a group of freshmen who mostly have played together for the last several years,” Rinehart said. “A few of them will play significant minutes this season, probably a little sooner than they should, but they are good teammates and have spent a good amount of time in the gym. They will hopefully get acclimated quickly with the help of our returning players.”
East Newton opens the season on Nov. 22 at home against Exeter.
“A successful season for us will be to play with a lot of energy and intensity and be great teammates,” Rinehart said. “We will have to learn to respond correctly when things don’t go our way, which will happen often with our experience level. Hopefully at some point we can figure out a way to compete on a nightly basis.”
