By Chris Parker
Bradleyville girls basketball is poised for a big season with an experienced group returning from last season’s seven-win team.
“This season, our biggest strength will be our experience at the varsity level,” head coach Emily Prock said. “We have nine players who have played significant varsity minutes up to this season, and I look for the other two to jump right in. As the season progresses, I anticipate all of our players to be contributing at a high level in varsity contests. Secondly, we are quick and very defensive-minded. I look for this team to play aggressive and pesky defense that transitions to a fast-paced offense each night. We will hang our hats on our ability to guard our opponents each night and look to do so at a high level.”
Senior guard Harley Guerin is a key returning player. The first-team all-conference and all-district selection averaged 17.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 4.9 steals per game last season.
Emma Smith and Ashton Carter each earned all-conference honors as well and return.
Smith, a senior guard, was named honorable mention all-conference after she averaged 3.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.7 steals per game.
“Emma is a coach’s dream and proved to be a steady source of guidance, leadership, and timely playmaking last season,” Prock said. “Her willingness to do the little things and never back down attitude will continue to be a spark for us this year. Offensively, I look for her to continue to knock down shots and spread defenses for us. Additionally, Emma has a knack for finding open teammates, which is a skill we will look to utilize this season. Defensively, she will be asked to provide depth in the guard position and rebound despite her small frame.”
Carter, a sophomore guard, was named second-team all-conference after she averaged 6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game.
“Ashton had a breakout season for us last year as a freshman,” Prock said. “She is one of the most gifted athletes in the area and plays at a high level. As she adjusted to the varsity style of play, her game exploded. Already gifted in creating off the bounce, Ashton put in the work this summer to find her shot, expanding her game even more. I look for her to be an impact player for us this season.”
Arica Todd, Abby VanWinsen and Sierra Sims give Bradleyville five returning starters.
Prock on Todd: “Arica returns for her senior year after having a solid junior campaign. Each night Arica has the tall order of playing any position that is asked of her. Her ability to rebound and find open gaps will be difference makers for us most nights. Defensively, we will look to her to provide energy and aggressive play no matter the position. Offensively, Arica is gifted in attacking the basket so we will look to build on that as she continues to become stronger.”
Prock on VanWinsen: “Abby returns to us after a junior season where she learned the ropes of post play. Every night we asked Abby to play bigger than she is and each night she grew more and more confident in her abilities. This season we will look for her to take that confidence and turn it into offensive and defensive production each time. Being one of the most naturally gifted athletes on the team, I look for Abby to have a breakout season in all areas.”
Prock on Sims: “Sierra is back for her junior campaign after a solid sophomore year. She is a natural shooter who we will look to for more offensive production this season while she works to expand her game. Defensively, Sierra learned how to defend the post and did an excellent job rebounding against much larger opponents.”
Olivia Rogers (junior center), Hailey Stafford (senior guard), Neveah Briley (junior guard) and Shiann Stafford (junior forward) are all returning letterment.
Prock on Rogers: “Last season, Olivia played a much larger varsity role for us. Being one of our tallest players, she was asked to rebound and anchor our offensive and defensive sets. While it was a learning curve, she found herself and really impacted some games for us. This season we will expect better decisions with the ball in her hands.”
Prock on Stafford: “Hailey is back for her senior year after a tremendous junior season. She is a streaky shooter with quick hands on defense. This season, I look for her to play some major minutes for us and establish herself as more of a varsity level threat in each competition.”
Prock on Briley: “Neveah returns for her junior season after playing primarily JV her sophomore year. She is one of the quickest players we have and has the ability to cause disruptions on both ends of the court. This season we will ask her to become more steady in her ball handling and establish herself as a defensive spark for the team.”
Prock on Stafford: “Shiann is back for her junior year after playing primarily JV last season. She is one of the hardest workers on the team and strives to make her game better each day. I look for her to contribute when her number is called and gain confidence at the varsity level.”
Freshman Presli Jussel will look to make an immediate varsity impact.
“Presli is our lone freshman this season but brings a ton of athleticism and talent to the team,” Prock said. “Standing at 5’7 and having a high IQ, she will be asked to play multiple positions each night. As she adjusts to the varsity style of play, I look for her to contribute big minutes for us and be an impact player by districts.”
Bradleyville opens the season on Nov. 22 at home against Bakersfield.
“For us to be successful this season, we will need to compete every minute of every game we are in,” Prock said. “We must have a winning mindset and never settle for the bare minimum. At the end of the season, we want to be in a position to compete for a conference and district title. To do this we have to play and practice at a high level. Ultimately, we want to represent ourselves, our school, and our community in a way that brings pride and builds on our values of tradition and excellence.”
