Bouncing into a new season, 2016-17 Girls Basketball is underway.
Tryouts for both Varsity and Junior Varsity players were held November 7-10. In addition, the season has already gotten a lot of attention due to the recent change of coaching staff.
Coach Randy Billingsley is taking over the Varsity Girls Basketball team. Alongside him stands assistant coach and Bruin alumna, Emily Guerra.
“Initially, I was a little bit nervous not knowing what to expect with a new group of kids but I can tell we have a fantastic group and they are very hard working and I am very excited with what we have,” said Billingsley. “I enjoy an up-tempo style that these girl have adopted and I think we are going to have a very successful season.”
Returning Varsity player and junior guard Kylee Dresbach- Hill reflected on the team’s new coaching staff.
“Coaches Billingsley and Guerra are a huge inspiration and I think they have brought a great energy to the team,” she said. “We are eager to work hard for them and compete with each other. We have a lot of strong individuals, and I know once the season gets rolling, and we adjust to the new style of play, we’ll go far.”
Senior co-captains, Becca Van Patten and Alyssa Pulkinghorn are extremely excited about the upcoming season.
“I think that we are all pretty physically fit because we played summer stuff,” said Van Patten. “It isn’t more running, but more push push until the other team breaks down.”
Coach Billingsley is bringing a fast-paced way of basketball to the girls teams. His method forces the girls to be quick and knowledgeable about ball movement and fast-break motion.
“I am very excited about the upcoming season because, like going into senior year, I just want to put everything into it and give it my all,” said Pulkinghorn. “Win or lose, I love my team and I think we are going to work well as a family and I believe we can win PVL.”
Between the players, fans, and coaching staff, all Bruin supporters are very excited to see what the new season has in store for Bear River Girls Basketball.
Looking forward to the season, Dresbach- Hill voiced her belief that, “The girls basketball team this year will be a major threat.”
