The term ‘strength in numbers? is an appropriate one to describe the returning players on Brandon’s varsity girls basketball team.
With 10 returning players, including two that were injured last season, Brandon coach Bryan Ray, in his fourth year with the program, is setting his sights high for the upcoming season.
‘Our goals are the (Flint Metro) league championship and the district title,? he said. ‘I think those are two achievable goals.?
The two players coming back from injury are senior Jessica Liebner, a fourth-year varsity player, and junior Meg Donnay, a third-year player.
They will be playing alongside the following eight returnees: senior Brooke Schaefer (in his fourth year with the varsity); junior Savannah Stedman (third year); junior Katrina Hibbs (third year); senior Emma Donnay (second year); senior Rebekah Schroll (second year); senior Mariah Andre (third year); junior Maria Schmidtke (second year); and sophomore Mikki Nuccio (second year).
Newcomers on the team are juniors Chelsea Wengren, Kate Haas, Lindsay Moskal, and Lauren Ross. However, Ray said Ross is expected to miss most of the season due to injury.
Ray said experience will definitely be a strength for the varsity this season, but also said they need to acquire ‘the confidence of winning.?
Last season, the Blackhawks went 8-12 overall and 7-5 in the Flint Metro. Ray said Fenton (the defending league champion) and Lapeer West (which features returning All-State player Jennifer Adams, a senior) will be the two toughest league foes for Brandon this season.
However, Ray said he thinks the Blackhawks are up to the challenge.
‘This is probably the deepest team we’ve had in the four years I’ve been here,? he said. ‘All 13 of our players will contribute. Brooke Schaefer has improved her offensive game, and our perimeter players have stepped up their shooting. Getting back two of our best scorers in Jess and Meg will help our scoring average, and we have the best player in the league in Savannah.?
Ray also said the Blackhawks have four top-notch captains this season in Schaefer, Liebner, Andre, and Emma Donnay.
‘This is probably the best leadership we’ve had,? he said. ‘You couldn’t ask for better people to lead our program.?