Last year’s top challengers are hoping to knock off the champion in the race for the 2015-16 Jack Pine Conference girls’ basketball title.
Beaverton ripped through its rivals and won it all last year with a 13-1 record. The Beavers finished 16-5 overall and are welcoming back three outstanding players in guard Mercedes Parker-Urban, an excellent ball-handler and outside shooter; hard-working guard Kylie Keeley; and forward Kylee Grieser, another sharpshooter.
Still, pulling off a repeat won’t be easy. “It will be a real challenge for us this year in the league,” said Beaverton coach Todd Woodbury. “Gladwin and Clare are the teams to beat.”
Clare was second in the league last year with a 12-2 mark, while the Flying G’s checked in third at 11-3.
Gladwin went on to reach a Class B district final before bowing out with a record of 16-7 after a loss to Bullock Creek.
The Flying G’s will be led by guards Carley Cote, Lauren Mose, and Peyton Rellinger. “Carley is a four-year starter, and she will be an integral part of our team’s success,” said Gladwin coach Emily Cote. “Lauren will play a big role in our transition offense. She can be a scoring threat, and she can guard fiercely. Peyton can shoot and pass, and she will run the offense.”
Senior forward Dayna Fennell is expected to make a big impact in the front court. “She could be our X factor,” said Cote. “She didn’t reach her potential last year, but she is off to a good start this year.”
Clare is led by sophomore Natalee Kunse, who was a unanimous all-league selection and who earned honorable mention on the Saginaw News Dream Team after a fabulous freshman season. She sees action at either guard or forward.
The other key players in the lineup are senior Molly Merillat and juniors Lexy Harton and Kayla Junge.
“Our goal is to compete in conference and improve from last year,” said Pioneers coach Kevin Richards.
Harrison was just 2-12 in the league last year, but the Hornets have almost everybody back in the fold and are likely to be more competitive this season.
Leading the way are senior forwards Jessica Scherrer and Lexi LaChappa, who are both 5’11” and four-year starters. Senior Toni Fletcher will handle a guard spot in her third year on the varsity.
Farwell won only one game last year, but the Eagles have doubled that in the first two games of this year, so things are looking up. “We improved on last year in the first week,” said Farwell coach Gordie Risbridger. “We are speeding up our play, and we’re looking to win more than half of our games, finish strong, and make a run for a district.”
Senior guard Dani Hanna brings leadership, speed, and ball-handling skills to the table in her third year on the varsity.
Senior Emily Vaughn has improved her game since last season as far as driving the basket and picking up more steals.
Senior Marissa Gassel led the team in scoring last year. “We continue to look for her to score and draw defenders to help other players,” said Risbridger.